Source: United States Navy
BRISBANE, Australia – Senior U.S., Australian and Japanese flag officers agreed today to further enhance logistics interoperability among their maritime forces. Their intent is to enable deeper maritime cooperation among the three nations, building upon their enduring commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: China State Council Information Office
During an inspection tour of Shanxi Province in north China, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday visited a memorial hall commemorating a significant campaign during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The Hundred-Regiment Campaign took place behind enemy lines in northern China from August 1940 to January 1941 during the resistance war. It was a major victory achieved at a time when China’s resistance against Japanese aggression was in difficulty and the atmosphere of compromise and surrender was palpable.
Though silent, the exhibits in the memorial hall spoke loudly of the brutality of the Japanese aggressors, recording the fierce and arduous war. Xi listened attentively to the introductions — and paused from time to time to take a closer look.
Before visiting the memorial hall, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, laid a floral basket in front of a towering monument in tribute to the martyrs of this major campaign.
With 35 million casualties, the Chinese people defeated Japanese aggressors with their lives and blood, Xi once said, stressing that China had made a significant contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
Monday’s visit held special significance, as it coincided with the anniversary of the July 7th Incident, also known as the Lugou Bridge Incident, which occurred in 1937 and marked the beginning of China’s whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression, according to Hao Xueting, a local historian and writer who has studied the resistance war for over three decades.
“The visit showed that the general secretary attaches great importance to the history of the resistance war,” Hao said.
Since assuming the Party’s top post in 2012, Xi has attended events commemorating whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression and state memorial ceremonies for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, and visited multiple memorial halls to reflect on this part of history and pool strength for forging ahead.
“The best way to honor the heroes who gave their lives to uphold freedom, justice and peace, and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war is to make sure that this historical tragedy will never repeat itself,” Xi conveyed this message in his address 10 years ago at the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the resistance war and the World Anti-Fascist War.
As 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory, Xi’s visit to the memorial hall again conveys determination to remember history, cherish peace and strive for a better future.
After viewing the exhibits, Xi had warm conversations with students and staff at the memorial hall, which is located atop Shinao Mountain in the Taihang Mountains.
“Grandpa Xi told us what the Hundred-Regiment Campaign was all about, and how the life we have today was built on the countless martyrs who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood,” recalled Wang Yitong, a student at a local primary school.
“What we learned from Grandpa Xi is not just history but also the necessity to strive for progress. In peace time, we should bear history in mind and cherish our present lives,” said Chen Mingyue, a senior high student.
“If the past is not forgotten, it can serve as a guide for the future,” Xi told the young students, calling on them to strive to be the backbone of the nation, build a strong country and contribute to world peace.
Source: China State Council Information Office
From steel mills adopting AI-powered systems to textile factories deploying cutting-edge automation, China’s traditional industries are undergoing a significant transformation.
Spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, this drive is injecting fresh vitality into traditional sectors that underpin the country’s modern industrial base.
Under Xi’s watch, China is doubling down on boosting the competitiveness and sustainability in these sectors, which generate about 80 percent of the country’s manufacturing output and play a vital role in supporting employment and broader economic growth.
“The real economy should not be neglected. Nor should the traditional industries within it. And industrial transformation and upgrading must be realized through sci-tech innovation,” Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said while visiting Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd., a century-old enterprise, during an inspection tour in north China’s Shanxi Province this week.
By focusing on innovation and boosting investment in research and development, the company has earned the designation of a “little giant” enterprise, a title for outstanding specialized, high-tech small and medium-sized firms. It has obtained dozens of patents and expanded its global footprint through exports to countries including the United States, India and Pakistan.
During this visit to the company, Xi emphasized that traditional manufacturing is an important part of the real economy, and called for efforts to respond to market demand and enhance sci-tech innovation to breathe new life into traditional industries.
Boosting the development of traditional industries has been high on the agenda of Xi.
During his domestic inspections in recent years, Xi has regularly visited enterprises and factories. He inspects production lines and engages in conversations with frontline workers, gaining a firsthand understanding of the products and the progress involving transformation and upgrading.
These on-the-ground surveys have reinforced China’s push for transformation and upgrading tailored to regional strengths, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
This emphasis was highlighted during an inspection tour of southwest China’s Yunnan Province in March, where Xi urged all regions to pursue industrial transformation and upgrading based on local conditions, in line with economic principles, while making full use of their unique strengths.
“Old enterprises can also pursue high-end, smart and green transformation. It is crucial not to dismiss traditional industries as uniformly ‘low-end’ or ‘backward’ and simply phase them out, as doing so could lead to a disruption in the transition from old to new growth drivers, cause a loss of momentum, and exacerbate the pains of structural adjustment,” Xi said during an inspection tour in Liaoning Province in January.
Since introducing the concept of new quality productive forces in 2023, Xi has consistently highlighted that traditional industries are the cornerstone for developing advanced productive capabilities.
During a deliberation at the annual national legislative session last year, Xi noted that developing new quality productive forces “does not mean neglecting or abandoning traditional industries.”
This point was further reiterated in May last year when he visited Shandong Province and commended Rizhao Port for its successful transformation from a traditional port into a modern one. “The port has not only achieved top-tier cargo throughput nationwide but has also gained valuable insights into fostering new quality productive forces through the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries,” Xi said.
Guided by his vision, China has made significant progress in accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, steering them toward more advanced, intelligent and greener development.
Technologies like industrial internet, 5G and AI have been extensively applied in traditional industries. In 2024, investment in technological upgrades in the manufacturing sector increased by 8 percent year on year, outpacing the overall investment growth.
In key energy-consuming industries such as chemicals, building materials, steel and non-ferrous metals, energy consumption per unit of value-added output fell in 2024 from the previous year.
Looking ahead, China will take comprehensive measures, including pushing technological advances as well as large-scale equipment renewal projects in the manufacturing sector, and accelerating the digitalization of manufacturing, to promote traditional industry transformation and upgrading, according to this year’s government work report.
“In the past, Chinese workers made arduous manual efforts to hammer away at the country’s industrial development. Today, it must be upgraded through advanced technologies and equipment,” Xi said, stressing that the real economy makes the country prosperous and solid work makes it flourishing.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 11 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on people working in the country’s film industry to create more fine cinematic works that reflect the spirit of the times and express the people’s aspirations.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent reply letter to eight veteran Chinese film artists, including 97-year-old famed actress Tian Hua.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Over 1.45 lakh devotees have undertaken the Amarnath Yatra in the first eight days, with another batch of 6,482 pilgrims leaving for the Kashmir Valley from Jammu on Friday.
According to officials, more than 1.45 lakh pilgrims have had ‘darshan’ at the holy cave shrine.
“Another batch of 6,482 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. The first convoy, comprising 107 vehicles and carrying 2,353 Yatris, departed at 3:20 a.m. for the Baltal base camp. The second convoy, consisting of 161 vehicles and carrying 4,129 Yatris, left at 4:04 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials said.
The Bhumi Pujan of the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday.
The Chhari Mubarak was brought to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus led by its sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its traditional seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar.
In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was first taken to the Gauri Shankar Temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was performed. It was then carried to the Martand Sun Temple, where another puja was held, followed by a ceremonial dip in the holy spring at the temple.
The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of this year’s Yatra.
In addition to those arriving at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many pilgrims are also reporting directly at the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps for on-the-spot registration.
Authorities have made extensive multi-tiered security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
To ensure safety, an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to strengthen the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
All transit camps en route to the two base camps, as well as the entire stretch from Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu to the holy cave shrine, are under strict security coverage.
This year, the Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
(With inputs from IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Armed men killed nine bus passengers after kidnapping them in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Friday.
The passengers had been kidnapped from multiple buses on Thursday evening, said the provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind.
Their bodies with bullet wounds were found in mountains overnight, another government official Naveed Alam said.
No one has claimed responsibility.
Separatist Baloch militants have in the past been involved in such incidents, killing passengers after identifying them as coming from the eastern Punjab province.
The Baloch Liberation Army is the strongest of a number of insurgent groups long operating in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran, a mineral-rich region.
The ethnic Baloch militants blame authorities in Pakistan for stealing their regional resources to fund spending in Punjab province.
(Reuters)
Source: New South Wales – News
A former UK Soldier turned police officer, a sexual offences investigator, and a counter terrorism specialist are just some of the backgrounds of the experienced overseas and interstate officers graduating from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy today.
Course 4 of the SAPOL 15-week transition program includes 20 experienced officers from across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and interstate. Collectively, this course brings over 130 years of policing experience to South Australia.
The majority have transferred from general patrol and road policing positions with others bringing specialist policing expertise across areas such as Domestic Abuse, Neighbourhood Response, and Organised Crime.
Among the graduates is Lewis, who previously served as an emergency response officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary and spent nearly nine years as a frontline soldier in the British Army.
“I’m just very proud to be able to call Australia our home after trying to get here for 10 years,” he said.
“To be able to do the same job I loved in the UK but for such a great organisation in a truly stunning place – it’s changed our lives.”
Amy, who served as a Police Constable with Police Scotland for 15 years across a range of investigative and specialist roles –which include the Divisional Rape Investigation and Domestic Abuse Investigation — is graduating alongside her husband, Cameron, who is also bringing 12 years’ experience.
“We had never visited Australia before moving here, and we are looking forward to exploring our new country as a family,” Amy said.
“SAPOL offers so many opportunities – from good career progression to better salary and working conditions. Although the procedures are different, the skills we gained back home will help us to proudly serve and support our new communities.”
Today’s graduates will be posted across metropolitan and regional South Australia, including the Limestone Coast, Murray Mallee and the Eyre and Western regions.
Alongside domestic recruiting, SAPOL continues to actively recruit experienced officers from interstate and overseas jurisdictions, offering competitive salaries, six weeks’ annual leave, and a supportive transition program.
STP4 Graduates Lewis and Amy
STP4 Graduates Amy and her husband Cameron
Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff
Headline: Republic of Korea-United States-Japan Trilateral Chiefs of Defense Joint Press Statement
Republic of Korea (ROK) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Kim Myung-soo, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and Japan Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide convened the 22nd Trilateral Chiefs of Defense (Tri-CHOD) Meeting on July 11, 2025, in Seoul. The three chiefs of defense recognized the importance of close trilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-pacific and beyond.
Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff
Republic of Korea (ROK) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Kim Myung-soo, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and Japan Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide convened the 22nd Trilateral Chiefs of Defense (Tri-CHOD) Meeting on July 11, 2025, in Seoul. The three chiefs of defense recognized the importance of close trilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-pacific and beyond.
Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff
Republic of Korea (ROK) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Kim Myung-soo, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and Japan Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide convened the 22nd Trilateral Chiefs of Defense (Tri-CHOD) Meeting on July 11, 2025, in Seoul. The three chiefs of defense recognized the importance of close trilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-pacific and beyond.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Belinda Clarence, Law Lecturer, RMIT University
During the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s major shipping routes.
Would that be possible, and what effects would it have?
The Strait of Hormuz is a choke point at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It is used to transport about 20% of global daily oil consumption.
Iran effectively controls this crucial shipping route because it is a coastal state bordering this narrow stretch of water. The strait is too narrow to avoid navigating waters claimed by Iran. This raises thorny legal questions about whether it is really possible for Iran to block the strait, and what recourse other states have if it does.
This geographical reality is far from new, and the legal frameworks governing international maritime activity have developed over centuries. At its heart is the lex mercatoria — the “law of merchants” — a body of transnational commercial law that emerged organically from the practices of traders operating across borders.
Within this broader framework sits the lex maritima, or customary maritime law, which has long adapted to the hazards of shipping across vast oceans.
The lex maritima originated from the shared practices of seafarers and merchants. Its purpose? To manage the unpredictable nature of maritime trade that demands coherent and stable rules.
One of the most enduring principles of this legal tradition is the idea of mare liberum, or “the free sea”, set out by Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius in 1609. He argued the high seas should remain open to all for peaceful navigation and trade. This conveniently legitimised the ambitions of European colonial powers, granting them unfettered access to global maritime routes at a time when control over sea-based trade promised immense economic and strategic advantage.
One of the most fundamental questions in maritime law is: where do a nation’s territorial waters end, and the high seas begin?
After the second world war, a series of conferences culminated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), where the customary 3 nautical miles (5.56km) of territorial waters states could claim as their own was extended. This narrow limit was rooted more in historical naval range – the so-called “cannon shot rule” – than in modern geopolitical or environmental realities.
In 1959, Iran took the unusual step of unilaterally extending its territorial sea to 12 nautical miles, despite not being a party to UNCLOS. Two decades later, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the US Embassy hostage crisis, Washington grew increasingly anxious about the security of oil flows from the Persian Gulf. These concerns intensified during the Iran-Iraq War, especially as Iran began using small islands in the Strait of Hormuz to deploy military forces and threaten commercial shipping.
One of the key compromises of UNCLOS was an extension of territorial waters for states that ratified the treaty. In exchange, UNCLOS replaced the older concept of “innocent passage” – which allowed only surface navigation through territorial seas – with the broader notion of “transit passage”. Under this regime, vessels and aircraft from other states are granted the right to travel not only on the surface, but also under the sea and through the air above straits used for international navigation.
While 169 states have ratified UNCLOS, both Iran and the United States remain notable holdouts. This means Iran does not enjoy the broader 12-nautical-mile limit recognised under UNCLOS, and the US cannot claim the agreement’s protections for transit passage through strategic choke points.
While the geopolitical and legal tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz may seem far removed from the world of private commerce, the global economy continues to function thanks to a powerful legal tool: the contract. Contracts offer a predictable framework that allows trade across borders without parties needing to trust one another personally.
The Strait of Hormuz is bordered by active, assertive states such as Iran, which means the potential for interstate conflict is relatively high. This doesn’t mean commercial contracts are irrelevant to the recent dispute in the Strait of Hormuz — far from it. But their influence is more indirect.
Without significant political change in Tehran, it’s unlikely either Iran or the US will shift its position on adopting UNCLOS. Yet despite Iran’s repeated threats to close the strait, it has never followed through — and the US Navy continues to maintain a steady presence in the region. For now, a fragile but persistent equilibrium holds.
Belinda Clarence does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for global shipping? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-and-why-is-it-so-important-for-global-shipping-260920
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service has been activated today to support people affected by severe weather in the Tasman and Nelson Region, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Temporary Accommodation Service is accepting registrations from displaced residents in Tasman and Nelson who need assistance finding temporary accommodation.
“With further rainfall expected, it’s essential people are swiftly supported into secure temporary accommodation, whether that be hotels, motels or otherwise.
“MBIE is working closely with Civil Defence Emergency Management, the National Emergency Management Agency, local councils, and the Ministry of Social Development to ensure a seamless transition for people in need to access safe, appropriate accommodation,” Mr Potaka says.
“Agencies are also working together to provide wrap-around support including social services, mental health support, financial support and others.”
MBIE has a responsibility to coordinate temporary accommodation following an emergency, as per the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan Order 2015.
People affected by the Tasman and Nelson severe weather who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register via the TAS website: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz or email: TemporaryAccommServ@mbie.govt.nz or phone 0508 754 163.
Note to editor:
As TAS has only been taking registrations for a short time, it is too early to confirm numbers at this stage.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With weather warnings for the top of the South Island escalated, local drivers are being urged to keep a close eye on road and weather conditions.
The Metservice has issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning for Tasman district about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa.
Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are also in force for Tasman District northwest of Motueka, Nelson, and Marlborough northwest of the Awatere Valley.
This weather will affect:
Emma Speight, Director Regional Relationships says Red Warnings must be taken seriously.
“There is no room for complacency. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel. If you’re in a safe place, stay there and don’t put yourself at risk by driving on flooded roads.”
“It’s also about reducing danger to others too. Respect and obey any road closures that are in place. They are there to keep people safe. Ignoring them not only risks your own safety, but also that of anyone who may be called on to help rescue you,” Ms Speight says.
She also asks people to avoid driving through floodwaters.
“Flood waters can obscure hidden dangers. You just don’t know what is below the surface.”
“Also, driving through flooded areas creates bow waves that can cause more damage to homes and properties. Please, don’t do this,” Ms Speight says.
Contractors are on call and ready to respond to events as they arise and will do their best to keep state highways open.
However, Ms Speight says safety is the priority.
“We are keeping a close eye on areas that suffered damage over the past two weeks – SH6 Kohatu to Kawatiri, SH63 Renwick to Saint Arnaud, and SH6 Rocks Road.”
“If public safety is at risk, roads will be closed. This is why it is critical people keep a close eye on road and weather conditions, and Civil Defence updates. Make sure you know what is happening and how it may affect you,” Ms Speight says.
More Information:
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25) officially kicks off with the arrival of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, led by Rear Admiral Todd F. Cimicata, U.S. Pacific Fleet Executive Agent for Pacific Partnership, and the mission commander, U.S. Navy Captain Mark B. Stefanik.
The PP-25 team, embarked aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to make final preparations ahead of its upcoming port visits throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The PP-25 team will conduct medical exchanges, engineering projects, community outreach, and disaster preparedness engagements with host nation partners.
“Pacific Partnership is a testament to what we can achieve together,” said Cimicata. “By working alongside our allies and partners, we strengthen regional capacity and resilience and lay the foundation for a collective response to crises. It’s about preparing in calm to respond in crisis.”
This year’s PP-25 mission will include mission stops in Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Prior to the USS Pearl Harbor’s departure, separate fly-in missions were conducted in the Philippines, Fiji, and Tonga in June.
“This enduring mission provides us the opportunity to build on our relationships, share expertise, and learn from one another,” said Stefanik. “Our shared experiences help create more resilient communities, and I’m proud to lead a team committed to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.”
Pacific Partnership brings together more than 1,500 personnel from the United States and participating nations including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Activities will include engineering projects at schools and clinics, medical subject matter expert exchanges, and performances by the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet and partner nations.
The mission team will work alongside allies and partners to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters.
Every day, the U.S. Pacific Fleet operates to protect the security, freedom, and prosperity for the U.S. and our allies and partners. The U.S. Pacific Fleet continues to advance a shared vision, alongside our allies and partners, of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.
For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2025 20:57 |
| Story ID: | 542493 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US |
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced a pair of bills to reduce dangerous air pollution within the shipping industry.
Padilla’s Clean Shipping Act of 2025, led by Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42) in the House, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry to protect the health of port communities and address the environmental injustice impacts of the climate crisis. Padilla also co-leads the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, led by Whitehouse in the Senate and Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15) in the House. The bill aims to reduce emissions by imposing a pollution fee on large marine vessels offloading cargo at U.S. ports to fund decarbonization efforts in the U.S. maritime economy.
“California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”
“As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to avoid the worst consequences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “Encouragingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forward a global carbon price on shipping emissions. This legislation reinforces that work, further cutting harmful emissions while supporting the maritime innovators that are pioneering clean technologies to protect public health and can help put us on course to climate safety.”
Globally, maritime shipping is a major source of climate-warming pollution, including climate-warming GHG emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) and harmful air pollutant emissions (oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter). According to the International Maritime Organization 2020 GHG Study, the global shipping industry emits approximately one billion tons of GHG emissions per year, roughly 3 percent of total anthropogenic global-warming carbon-dioxide emissions. The study projects in future scenarios that shipping’s GHG emissions could more than double between 2018 and 2050. These emissions are not only harmful for the environment, but jeopardize the air quality and public health of the nearly 40 percent of Americans who live within three miles of a port.
Clean Shipping Act
The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 would set a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from all ocean shipping companies that do business with the United States. It would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set progressively tighter carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Specifically, the bill would direct the EPA to:
“Our nation’s ports, particularly the Port of Long Beach, are crucial parts of the economy that drive our supply chain at home. However, they’re also among the largest sources of pollution in our coastal communities,” said Representative Garcia. “Ship pollution is harmful for the health of people living near ports, and disproportionately affects low-income, working-class neighborhoods and communities of color. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a bill that addresses greenhouse gas pollution and creates a path to fully eliminate emissions. We must protect people’s health and stop our climate crisis, while ensuring good-paying jobs for the future.”
“In order to protect our ocean and stay competitive with the rest of the world, we need federal leadership to help modernize and clean up U.S. shipping. By driving the shipping sector to develop, scale and deploy zero-emission technologies, we can spur job creation, help tackle the climate crisis and help create cleaner air for the millions of Americans living near ports. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with members of Congress to make this bill a reality,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager.
“The shipping industry has been polluting communities for decades, but we have the power to make shipping cleaner. Port expansions across the country have been especially devastating for communities living closest to the harbors where large ships spew toxic diesel exhaust that worsens air quality and contributes to the climate crisis. People living near ports deserve to breathe clean air, and the Clean Shipping Act will help make that a reality,” said Katherine García, Director of the Clean Transportation for All Campaign, Sierra Club.
“GreenLatinos endorses the urgently needed Clean Shipping Act, which protects Latino/e and other vulnerable communities from further exposure to port pollution and takes important steps to reduce harm from toxic ship fuels. 1 in 3 Latines live in the top 20% of most pollution-impacted communities. Pollution burdened communities are facing even more exposure as idling ships wait days to enter port and offload their cargo. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this vital legislation and protect our coastal communities from the harms of port emissions,” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, Policy Advisor, GreenLatinos.
“The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will help us work toward a future where healthy port communities thrive and everyone benefits from leveraging the tremendous potential of the ocean and ocean industries as powerful sources of climate solutions. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Garcia and Senator Padilla for advancing this legislation for our ocean, climate, and communities,” said Sarah Guy, Executive Director, Ocean Defense Initiative.
“The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will send a clear signal to the shipping industry that they must reduce their emissions by phasing out the use of fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner future. Technology-forcing policies like this legislation will enable large-scale investment in sustainable maritime fuels and technologies and establish a level playing field, minimizing the risk for manufacturers and suppliers. For far too long, dirty ships have brought significant levels of air pollution into U.S. port communities. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for reintroducing this important bill and leading the effort to help protect communities disproportionately impacted by these harmful emissions,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment.
The bill is supported by industry leaders including ABB, Evolve Hydrogen Inc., Maritime Battery Forum, and Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association, as well as NGOs including Breathe Southern California, CleanEarth4Kids.org, Don’t Waste Arizona, Environmental, Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Intheshadowofthewolf, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defense Initiative, Pacific Environment, Restoring Earth Connection, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Seattle Cruise Control, Sierra Club, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area Action, 350 Sacramento, Turtle Island Restoration Network, and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility.
Full text of the bill is available here.
International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act
The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would:
The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act has been endorsed by EV Maritime, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Brooklyn.
Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are cosponsoring the legislation.
Full text of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act is available here, and a one-pager is available here.
Senator Padilla believes decarbonizing our ports is vital for powering economic growth and protecting public health. Last year, he announced over $1 billion in EPA funding across seven California ports to build zero-emission port infrastructure and implement climate and air quality management plans. The funding comes through the Clean Ports Program, which is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports across the nation. California ports will receive three of the largest seven grants nationwide, including over $411 million for the Port of Los Angeles, the biggest award in the country. In 2023, he announced $74.5 million from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Belinda Clarence, Law Lecturer, RMIT University
During the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s major shipping routes.
Would that be possible, and what effects would it have?
The Strait of Hormuz is a choke point at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It is used to transport about 20% of global daily oil consumption.
Iran effectively controls this crucial shipping route because it is a coastal state bordering this narrow stretch of water. The strait is too narrow to avoid navigating waters claimed by Iran. This raises thorny legal questions about whether it is really possible for Iran to block the strait, and what recourse other states have if it does.
This geographical reality is far from new, and the legal frameworks governing international maritime activity have developed over centuries. At its heart is the lex mercatoria — the “law of merchants” — a body of transnational commercial law that emerged organically from the practices of traders operating across borders.
Within this broader framework sits the lex maritima, or customary maritime law, which has long adapted to the hazards of shipping across vast oceans.
The lex maritima originated from the shared practices of seafarers and merchants. Its purpose? To manage the unpredictable nature of maritime trade that demands coherent and stable rules.
One of the most enduring principles of this legal tradition is the idea of mare liberum, or “the free sea”, set out by Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius in 1609. He argued the high seas should remain open to all for peaceful navigation and trade. This conveniently legitimised the ambitions of European colonial powers, granting them unfettered access to global maritime routes at a time when control over sea-based trade promised immense economic and strategic advantage.
One of the most fundamental questions in maritime law is: where do a nation’s territorial waters end, and the high seas begin?
After the second world war, a series of conferences culminated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), where the customary 3 nautical miles (5.56km) of territorial waters states could claim as their own was extended. This narrow limit was rooted more in historical naval range – the so-called “cannon shot rule” – than in modern geopolitical or environmental realities.
In 1959, Iran took the unusual step of unilaterally extending its territorial sea to 12 nautical miles, despite not being a party to UNCLOS. Two decades later, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the US Embassy hostage crisis, Washington grew increasingly anxious about the security of oil flows from the Persian Gulf. These concerns intensified during the Iran-Iraq War, especially as Iran began using small islands in the Strait of Hormuz to deploy military forces and threaten commercial shipping.
One of the key compromises of UNCLOS was an extension of territorial waters for states that ratified the treaty. In exchange, UNCLOS replaced the older concept of “innocent passage” – which allowed only surface navigation through territorial seas – with the broader notion of “transit passage”. Under this regime, vessels and aircraft from other states are granted the right to travel not only on the surface, but also under the sea and through the air above straits used for international navigation.
While 169 states have ratified UNCLOS, both Iran and the United States remain notable holdouts. This means Iran does not enjoy the broader 12-nautical-mile limit recognised under UNCLOS, and the US cannot claim the agreement’s protections for transit passage through strategic choke points.
While the geopolitical and legal tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz may seem far removed from the world of private commerce, the global economy continues to function thanks to a powerful legal tool: the contract. Contracts offer a predictable framework that allows trade across borders without parties needing to trust one another personally.
The Strait of Hormuz is bordered by active, assertive states such as Iran, which means the potential for interstate conflict is relatively high. This doesn’t mean commercial contracts are irrelevant to the recent dispute in the Strait of Hormuz — far from it. But their influence is more indirect.
Without significant political change in Tehran, it’s unlikely either Iran or the US will shift its position on adopting UNCLOS. Yet despite Iran’s repeated threats to close the strait, it has never followed through — and the US Navy continues to maintain a steady presence in the region. For now, a fragile but persistent equilibrium holds.
Belinda Clarence does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for global shipping? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-strait-of-hormuz-and-why-is-it-so-important-for-global-shipping-260920
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV to Talk About the Plan to Ban U.S. Farmland Purchases by China and Key Wins in the Reconciliation Bill
Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Tammi Arender on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to discuss the importance of protecting American farmland from hostile foreign nations like China and the major wins for farmers and ranchers in the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
On the necessity of preventing China from buying American farmland:
“Tammi, it’s great to be with you, and for the last several years, we’ve been trying to scream as loud as we could that China’s buying more and more farmland in America. And it’s not just the quantity, it’s where they’re purchasing it. If you could imagine, Whiteman Air Force Base is where those B2 bombers took off and took out the Iranian nuclear facilities. The Chinese have purchased land next to that base. Same way at Fort Riley – at many of the military bases, the Chinese have purchased property.
“And beyond that, it’s the Chinese owning a significant part of Smithfield and Brazilian JBS, the meatpacking industry as well. So what we announced yesterday, the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, who by the way is doing an incredible job, is that she’s now going to be on CFIUS. This is the committee on foreign land purchases by foreign entities. So she’ll be at that level, and then trying to decide if someone that China or their proxies are here, trying to buy land in America, that she’ll get to decide that is a national security issue. The bottom line: food security is national security.”
On whether there will be any retaliatory measures taken by China:
“Think about this – you and I, your listeners, we cannot go to China and purchase land. We cannot go to China and make a pork processing plant. So I think it’s fair. You know, President Trump talks about fair and reciprocal trade agreements. And by the way, there’s a lot that states can do. State Governors in their legislatures can do this. Already in Arkansas, Governor Huckabee Sanders is actually buying back this land that the Chinese have purchased. And not only has she banned future purchases, but she’s actually forcing them to sell land as well – sometimes the states can move a little bit quicker than the federal government can.”
On what the One Big Beautiful Bill will do for farmers and ranchers:
“Tammi, I’m so proud we did almost a whole farm bill within this reconciliation bill. We allocate $50 billion more for crop insurance as well as the Title I funding. We increased the reference prices, so we funded that for the next five years, and we’ll take that off the table as we go forward with the rest of the Farm Bill. The crop insurance is the backbone of every Farm Bill.
“But beyond that, even more, I think about beyond the reference prices… we also got the 199A pass-through for all those folks, farmers that are part of co-ops, we got that taken care of. Bonus depreciation, writing off interest, all those things are so important to go buy this million-dollar combine in today’s world, to be able to write that off with bonus depreciation is a big game changer.
“We doubled the death tax exemption to over $30 million, so we doubled the tax exemptions so you don’t have to sell a fourth of your farm to pass it on to future generations as well. And don’t forget, we got 45Z done in this as well. I think the 45Z market for taking commodities turning into jet fuel, I think that could be bigger, maybe four or five times bigger than the entire ethanol industry right now. So huge, huge wins for farmers. So proud of the work we got done.”
On what can be added to the next Farm Bill:
“There’s a lot of division up here right now. My friends across the aisle are upset that we went forward with that. And I’m sorry, but we give them every chance a year or two to get it finished. I wish we could, but I hope so. I think even next week, we’re going to be working with Secretary Kennedy and Rollins and talking about soil health. And love to come back and talk about that. And part of improving soil health is going to cost money. If you want to go into regenerative agriculture in your first year or two, your crop, maybe your production, goes down. So we’re trying to work on a farm bill, especially the Conservation component. There’s great opportunity there, and we’ll hopefully sort it out this fall.”
Source: US State of California
A civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base pleaded guilty today to conspiring to transmit classified information relating to the national defense (National Defense Information) on a foreign online dating platform beginning in or around February 2022 until in or around April 2022.
“The defendant, an employee of the United States Air Force with access to some of our Nation’s most closely held secrets, shared classified information with someone claiming to be a foreigner on an online dating platform,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate their obligation to protect sensitive national security information entrusted to them.”
“Access to classified information comes with great responsibility. David Slater failed in his duty to protect this information by willingly sharing National Defense Information with an unknown online personality despite having years of military experience that should have caused him to be suspicious of that person’s motives,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska.
“Mr. Slater betrayed an oath he made to safeguard our nation’s intelligence,” said Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “Leveraging his access to sensitive information, Mr. Slater chose to transmit material that put our country at risk. The FBI is extremely thankful for the work of our partners in this case. We will continue to partner together to defend the homeland by aggressively investigating and apprehending criminals and adversaries who pose a threat to our nation’s security.”
According to court documents, David Franklin Slater, 64, of Nebraska, after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army, worked in a classified space at USSTRATCOM and held a Top Secret security clearance from in or around August 2021 until in or around April 2022. Slater pleaded guilty to willfully, improperly, and unlawfully conspiring to transmit National Defense Information classified as “SECRET,” which he had reason to believe could be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation, on a foreign online dating platform to a person not authorized to receive such information.
According to court documents, Slater attended USSTRATCOM briefings regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine that were classified up to TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI). Slater then conspired to transmit classified National Defense Information that he learned from those briefings via the foreign online dating website’s messaging platform to his co-conspirator, who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine on the foreign dating website. The co-conspirator regularly asked Slater to provide her with sensitive, non-public, closely held, and classified National Defense Information and called Slater in their messages her “secret informant love” and her “secret agent.” In furtherance of that conspiracy, Slater did, in fact, transmit classified National Defense Information to her, including regarding military targets and Russian military capabilities relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The charge of conspiracy to transmit national defense information provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Slater is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Omaha Field Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Kleine for the District of Nebraska and Trial Attorney Emma Dinan Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Dr. David J. Smith, urging them to protect Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).
Senator Hawley wrote, “In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.”
He continued, “As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.”
Senator Hawley is following up on a letter he sent to Dr. Smith on May 13, 2025, in which he outlined his concerns over potential reductions to the hospital’s funding, personnel and services.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dr. Steve FerraraActing Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health AffairsOffice of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000
Dr. David J. SmithActing Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting DirectorDefense Health Agency7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101 Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Smith,
I write to follow up on my letter to Dr. Smith of May 13, 2025 concerning the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you for your June 16, 2025 response—it provided some helpful information, but did not allay my concerns regarding the future of GLWACH.
In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.
As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.
I therefore request that you provide me with written answers to the following questions by August 1, 2025:
1. Does DHA intend to reduce the funds, personnel, or other resources available to GLWACH?
2. Does DHA intend to change the care or services provided by GLWACH?
3. Can DHA commit to maintaining GLWACH’s current scope of care, including its Surgery, Emergency Room, OBGYN, Labor and Delivery, Inpatient Services, and Outpatient Allergy and ENT Services departments?
4. What effects will recent or planned changes to DOD’s resourcing model for direct care—including a potential shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model—have on GLWACH and Ft. Leonard Wood?
5. Does DHA have a plan to solicit and consider input from the Army, local community members and groups, and other stakeholders before it makes changes to the resourcing or management of GLWACH?
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Dr. David J. Smith, urging them to protect Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).
Senator Hawley wrote, “In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.”
He continued, “As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.”
Senator Hawley is following up on a letter he sent to Dr. Smith on May 13, 2025, in which he outlined his concerns over potential reductions to the hospital’s funding, personnel and services.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dr. Steve Ferrara
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness
4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000
Dr. David J. Smith
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting Director
Defense Health Agency
7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101 Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Smith,
I write to follow up on my letter to Dr. Smith of May 13, 2025 concerning the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you for your June 16, 2025 response—it provided some helpful information, but did not allay my concerns regarding the future of GLWACH.
In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.
As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.
I therefore request that you provide me with written answers to the following questions by August 1, 2025:
1. Does DHA intend to reduce the funds, personnel, or other resources available to GLWACH?
2. Does DHA intend to change the care or services provided by GLWACH?
3. Can DHA commit to maintaining GLWACH’s current scope of care, including its Surgery, Emergency Room, OBGYN, Labor and Delivery, Inpatient Services, and Outpatient Allergy and ENT Services departments?
4. What effects will recent or planned changes to DOD’s resourcing model for direct care—including a potential shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model—have on GLWACH and Ft. Leonard Wood?
5. Does DHA have a plan to solicit and consider input from the Army, local community members and groups, and other stakeholders before it makes changes to the resourcing or management of GLWACH?
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Stephen Ferrara and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Dr. David J. Smith, urging them to protect Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).
Senator Hawley wrote, “In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.”
He continued, “As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.”
Senator Hawley is following up on a letter he sent to Dr. Smith on May 13, 2025, in which he outlined his concerns over potential reductions to the hospital’s funding, personnel and services.
Read the full letter here or below.
Dr. Steve Ferrara
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness
4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000
Dr. David J. Smith
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting Director
Defense Health Agency
7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101 Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Smith,
I write to follow up on my letter to Dr. Smith of May 13, 2025 concerning the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you for your June 16, 2025 response—it provided some helpful information, but did not allay my concerns regarding the future of GLWACH.
In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH.
As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions.
I therefore request that you provide me with written answers to the following questions by August 1, 2025:
1. Does DHA intend to reduce the funds, personnel, or other resources available to GLWACH?
2. Does DHA intend to change the care or services provided by GLWACH?
3. Can DHA commit to maintaining GLWACH’s current scope of care, including its Surgery, Emergency Room, OBGYN, Labor and Delivery, Inpatient Services, and Outpatient Allergy and ENT Services departments?
4. What effects will recent or planned changes to DOD’s resourcing model for direct care—including a potential shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model—have on GLWACH and Ft. Leonard Wood?
5. Does DHA have a plan to solicit and consider input from the Army, local community members and groups, and other stakeholders before it makes changes to the resourcing or management of GLWACH?
Source: United States Attorneys General 7
A civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base pleaded guilty today to conspiring to transmit classified information relating to the national defense (National Defense Information) on a foreign online dating platform beginning in or around February 2022 until in or around April 2022.
“The defendant, an employee of the United States Air Force with access to some of our Nation’s most closely held secrets, shared classified information with someone claiming to be a foreigner on an online dating platform,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate their obligation to protect sensitive national security information entrusted to them.”
“Access to classified information comes with great responsibility. David Slater failed in his duty to protect this information by willingly sharing National Defense Information with an unknown online personality despite having years of military experience that should have caused him to be suspicious of that person’s motives,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska.
“Mr. Slater betrayed an oath he made to safeguard our nation’s intelligence,” said Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “Leveraging his access to sensitive information, Mr. Slater chose to transmit material that put our country at risk. The FBI is extremely thankful for the work of our partners in this case. We will continue to partner together to defend the homeland by aggressively investigating and apprehending criminals and adversaries who pose a threat to our nation’s security.”
According to court documents, David Franklin Slater, 64, of Nebraska, after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army, worked in a classified space at USSTRATCOM and held a Top Secret security clearance from in or around August 2021 until in or around April 2022. Slater pleaded guilty to willfully, improperly, and unlawfully conspiring to transmit National Defense Information classified as “SECRET,” which he had reason to believe could be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation, on a foreign online dating platform to a person not authorized to receive such information.
According to court documents, Slater attended USSTRATCOM briefings regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine that were classified up to TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI). Slater then conspired to transmit classified National Defense Information that he learned from those briefings via the foreign online dating website’s messaging platform to his co-conspirator, who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine on the foreign dating website. The co-conspirator regularly asked Slater to provide her with sensitive, non-public, closely held, and classified National Defense Information and called Slater in their messages her “secret informant love” and her “secret agent.” In furtherance of that conspiracy, Slater did, in fact, transmit classified National Defense Information to her, including regarding military targets and Russian military capabilities relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The charge of conspiracy to transmit national defense information provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Slater is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Omaha Field Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Kleine for the District of Nebraska and Trial Attorney Emma Dinan Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves for China on Saturday, confident most Australians back the government’s handling of relations with our most important economic partner and the leading strategic power in Asia.
Albanese’s domestic critics have lambasted him for meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping before United States President Donald Trump. They are also aggrieved at his refusal to label China a security threat.
But neither criticism really stacks up.
An Albanese-Trump meeting would have happened last month on the sidelines of a G7 gathering in Canada. It was Trump who left early, standing up more leaders than just Albanese.
Nor is Albanese the first Australian prime minister to meet a Chinese president before an American one. His predecessor Tony Abbott caught up with Xi a few weeks after coming to office in 2013, before he had a chance to meet President Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, polling indicates just one in five Australians see the relationship with China first and foremost as “a threat to be confronted”. Rather, a clear two-thirds majority see it as “a complex relationship to be managed”.
Albanese is also regarded as more competent than his opposition counterpart in handling Australia’s foreign policy generally – and better at managing the China relationship specifically.
The prime minister’s Chinese hosts also have an incentive to ensure his visit is a successful one.
In the past fortnight, China’s ambassador in Canberra, Xiao Qian, has penned opinion pieces in two of Australia’s biggest media outlets, insisting Australia and China are “friends, not foes” and touting the “comprehensive turnaround” in bilateral ties since Labor won government in May 2022.
Beijing and Washington view each other as their geopolitical priority. Beijing can make it harder for Washington to enlist security allies such as Canberra in this rivalry by maintaining its own strong and constructive bilateral ties with Australia.
And quite apart from the competition with the US, China relied on Australia last year as its fifth largest import source.
None of this is to say Albanese’s visit will be easy, because Australia-China relations are rarely smooth.
Canberra continues to have many complaints about China’s international behaviour.
For example, Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently signed a joint statement with her counterparts in Washington, Tokyo and New Delhi expressing “serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions” by China in the East and South China Seas, and the “abrupt constriction […] of key supply chains”.
Wong has also said the government remains “appalled” by the treatment of Australians imprisoned in China, including Dr Yang Jun, who is facing espionage charges he strongly denies.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has voiced Canberra’s alarm at Beijing’s “no limits agreement” with Moscow, and claimed China has
engaged in the biggest conventional military build-up since the end of the second world war.
However, this assessment is contested by independent Australian analysts.
Beijing also has plenty of complaints. They include Canberra’s ongoing pursuit of closer military cooperation with the US and UK through the AUKUS pact.
There is also the commitment to forcing the sale of the lease to operate the Port of Darwin that is currently held by a Chinese company.
Albanese has already made clear his visit to China will have a strong economic focus.
While grappling with security challenges, any Australian government, Labor or Coalition, must face the reality that last year, local companies sold more to China – worth A$196 billion – than our next four largest markets combined.
China is also, by far, Australia’s biggest supplier, putting downward pressure on the cost of living.
Research produced by Curtin University, commissioned by the Australia-China Business Council, finds trade with China increases disposable income of the average Australian household by $2,600, or 4.6% per person.
In an ideal world, Australia would have a more diversified trading mix.
But again, any Australian government or business must grapple with the reality that obvious major alternative markets, like the US, are not only less interested in local goods and services, but are walking away from their past trade commitments.
Under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement signed two decades ago, Australian exporters selling to the US faced an average tariff of just 0.1%. But nowadays Washington applies a baseline tariff of 10% on most Australian imports.
Meanwhile, owing to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement struck in 2015, Beijing applies an average tariff of just 1.1%.
No wonder more Australians now say China is a more reliable trading partner than the US.
This also explains Alabese’s response when he was asked in April if he would support Trump’s trade war against China:
It would be extraordinary if the Australian response was “thank you” and we will help to further hurt our economy
Likewise, Trade Minister Don Farrell is adamant Australia’s interests will determine the Albanese government’s choices, not “what the Americans may or may not want”.
We don’t want to do less business with China, we want to do more business with China.
Deeper trade ties with Asia, including China, are not just about making a buck. Wong has stressed the national security implications of a strong economic relationship:
[It is] an investment in our security. Stability and prosperity are mutually reinforcing.
All of this means Albanese’s six-day visit to China is shaping up to be time well spent.
James Laurenceson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Albanese’s China mission – managing a complex relationship in a world of shifting alliances – https://theconversation.com/albaneses-china-mission-managing-a-complex-relationship-in-a-world-of-shifting-alliances-260404
Source: US State of Idaho
WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Iranian Campaign Medal Act. This legislation would authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish and award a United States military decoration to service members who served in Iran in direct support of Operation Midnight Hammer. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX).
“Taking action to prevent the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from obtaining a dangerous nuclear-armed program takes true leadership – both from the White House and our armed forces,” said Rep. Simpson. “The American heroes who rose to the challenge in Operation Midnight Hammer deserve recognition after a historically successful attack. I am proud to honor the courageous servicemembers who carried out the mission – the world is a safer place thanks to their efforts.”
On June 22, 2025, President Trump authorized a precision strike at three Iranian nuclear sites to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Executed by 14 American pilots flying seven B-2 bombers, and supported by over 125 U.S. aircraft, including dozens of aerial refueling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and approximately 75 precision-guided munitions, the strike successfully targeted critical Iranian nuclear infrastructure at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Congressman Simpson is an original cosponsor of this important resolution. The full text is available here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted today in support of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The vital legislation championing veterans, supporting military families, and prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, passed the House of Representatives on a 218-206 vote.
Once enacted, this bill will provide essential funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to support critical investments in military infrastructure, readiness, and the well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.
“I’m proud to support this bill, which delivers on our promises to America’s veterans by fully funding their health care and benefits,” said Rep. Strong. “It will help improve the lives of our troops and their families with better access to childcare, safer housing, and stronger base infrastructure. This funding bill also makes an effort to fund key construction projects to support readiness and our national security, expands mental health services, combats veteran homelessness, and makes smart investments in the Indo-Pacific to push back against China’s growing threat.”
NORTH ALABAMA WINS
Representative Strong successfully secured pivotal provisions directly benefiting North Alabama:
Advancing U.S. Space Command Headquarters Plans
One provision advances the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Headquarters process and requires a detailed funding plan and report for the necessary facilities investments.
“During the entire USSPACECOM basing process, Redstone Arsenal ranked as the #1 location for the headquarters. Four subsequent DoD Inspector General and GAO reports confirmed that the Air Force made the right choice — Redstone is what is best for national security, the taxpayer, the personnel, and their families,” said Strong.
Ensuring Fair Veteran Cemetery Placement
Strong was also successful advancing a provision directing the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to conduct a report evaluating its veteran population data collection methodology. A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report indicated that if U.S. Census Bureau data were used rather than NCA’s current methodology, North Alabama would rank 2nd in need for a VA cemetery.
“Nearly 60,000 veterans call Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District home. Those veterans and their families deserve the opportunity to choose a final resting place closer to home. Currently, the closest VA cemeteries are in Corinth, MS, Montevallo, AL, and Chattanooga, TN. I firmly believe that a more accurate data evaluation would make North Alabama a top candidate for a National or VA-grant funded state cemetery,” said Strong.
Other wins that will benefit North Alabama include a provision that expresses Congressional support for DoD range operations and supporting facilities, such as Redstone Test Center at Redstone Arsenal, and language directing the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report and recommended legislative changes to improve reimbursement rates, locality adjustments, prescription drug prices for veterans living in VA State Veteran Homes, like the Floyd E “Tut” Fann Home in Huntsville, AL.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Champions our veterans by:
Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
DETAILED FUNDING SUMMARY
Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing)
Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing for the following:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Provides $452.64 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following:
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 is the first of 12 annual Appropriations bills to pass the House of Representatives.
“I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as the MilCon-VA subcommittee Chairman Judge John Carter and Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for their hard work on this critical funding bill,” said Strong.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) reintroduced the Clean Shipping Act. This bill establishes a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from large ships that come to U.S. ports, protecting the health of port communities and addressing the environmental and climate impacts of shipping pollution. Specifically, the bill would mandate that by 2050, ships must cut all greenhouse gas pollution, and by 2035, they must emit zero emissions while parked at ports. The bill is co-led by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44). The bill text can be found here.
“Our nation’s ports, particularly the Port of Long Beach, are crucial parts of the economy that drive our supply chain at home. However, they’re also among the largest sources of pollution in our coastal communities,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “Ship pollution is harmful for the health of people living near ports, and disproportionately affects low-income, working-class neighborhoods and communities of color. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a bill that addresses greenhouse gas pollution and creates a path to fully eliminate emissions. We must protect people’s health and stop our climate crisis, while ensuring good-paying jobs for the future.”
“California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”
“I’m proud to reintroduce the Clean Shipping Act because people deserve to breathe clean air, and this bill will help make that a reality. Communities near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—many of them communities of color—continue to suffer from toxic air pollution caused by ships. This bill sets a clear path to zero-emission shipping. It’s a critical step to clean up our air, protect public health, and take on the climate crisis. Port communities have waited long enough, we must act now,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán.
“In order to protect our ocean and stay competitive with the rest of the world, we need federal leadership to help modernize and clean up U.S. shipping. By driving the shipping sector to develop, scale and deploy zero-emission technologies, we can spur job creation, help tackle the climate crisis and help create cleaner air for the millions of Americans living near ports. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with members of Congress to make this bill a reality,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager
“The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will send a clear signal to the shipping industry that they must reduce their emissions by phasing out the use of fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner future. Technology-forcing policies like this legislation will enable large-scale investment in sustainable maritime fuels and technologies and establish a level playing field, minimizing the risk for manufacturers and suppliers. For far too long, dirty ships have brought significant levels of air pollution into U.S. port communities. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for reintroducing this important bill and leading the effort to help protect communities disproportionately impacted by these harmful emissions,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment.
“The shipping industry has been polluting communities for decades, but we have the power to make shipping cleaner. Port expansions across the country have been especially devastating for communities living closest to the harbors where large ships spew toxic diesel exhaust that worsens air quality and contributes to the climate crisis. People living near ports deserve to breathe clean air, and the Clean Shipping Act will help make that a reality,” said Katherine García, Director of the Clean Transportation for All Campaign, Sierra Club.
“GreenLatinos endorses the urgently needed Clean Shipping Act, which protects Latino/e and other vulnerable communities from further exposure to port pollution and takes important steps to reduce harm from toxic ship fuels. 1 in 3 Latines live in the top 20% of most pollution-impacted communities. Pollution burdened communities are facing even more exposure as idling ships wait days to enter port and offload their cargo. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this vital legislation and protect our coastal communities from the harms of port emissions,” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, Policy Advisor, GreenLatinos.
“The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will help us work toward a future where healthy port communities thrive and everyone benefits from leveraging the tremendous potential of the ocean and ocean industries as powerful sources of climate solutions. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Garcia and Senator Padilla for advancing this legislation for our ocean, climate, and communities,” said Sarah Guy, Executive Director, Ocean Defense Initiative.
The global shipping industry accounts for nearly 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and that number is expected to rise if no action is taken. Additionally, almost 40% of Americans live near ports, where people’s health is harmed by air pollution. This especially impacts working-class neighborhoods and communities of color.
The Clean Shipping Act is endorsed by Breathe Southern California, CleanEarth4Kids.org, Don’t Waste Arizona, Environmental Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Intheshadowofthewolf, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defense Initiative, Pacific Environment, Restoring Earth Connection, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Seattle Cruise Control, Sierra Club, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area Action, 350 Sacramento, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, ABB, Evolve Hydrogen Inc., Maritime Battery Forum, and Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association
Congressman Garcia, a co-chair of the Congressional PORTS Caucus, is committed to advocating for bold climate action and environmental justice, which includes improving port infrastructure. Congressman Garcia first introduced the Clean Shipping Act alongside Senator Padilla in 2023. During his time in Congress, Congressman Garcia has helped secure over $283 million in federal grant money for the completion of the Port of Long Beach Pier B Port Project, which will significantly reduce truck traffic and harmful emissions while improving safety, local congestion, and yielding nationwide economic benefits. Congressman Garcia also helped secure two federal grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law totaling nearly $44 million to reduce truck emissions at port facilities located in the Port of Long Beach. As Mayor of Long Beach, Congressman Garcia worked with the Port of Long Beach to navigate the historic surge in volume in freight in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Source: European Parliament
Council decision (CFSP) 2024/2880 on an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force in Mozambique covers the acquisition of non-lethal individual equipment for the Rwandan troops (RDF) deployed in Cabo Delgado and the costs of transporting staff, equipment and supplies between Rwanda and Mozambique.
The RDF was deployed at the request of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and was instrumental in tackling the security crisis in Cabo Delgado.
Regardless of the assistance measure in question, the EU condemned Rwanda’s support for M23 and military presence on Congolese territory, and urged Rwanda to end its cooperation with M23 and withdraw its military forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In July 2024, the EU imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the DRC and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the eastern DRC. Notably, it imposed restrictive measures against the Deputy Commander of the Special Force Command of the RDF.
Each assistance measure adopted within the framework of the European Peace Facility includes robust safeguards, which are duly implemented by the High Representative of the Union in the arrangements with the beneficiary to ensure the end users’ compliance with the requirements and conditions established by the Council.
This was the case for the initial assistance measure as well as for the top-up adopted on 18 November 2024. Failure to comply with international law may result in the suspension or termination of the assistance measure.
The EPF assistance measure is duly circumscribed. It is not intended to support specific individuals or the RDF as a whole, but to sustain the RDF units deployed in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, with the full support of the Mozambican authorities.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation.
The UK and France, as Europe’s only nuclear powers and leading militaries, share a unique responsibility for European and international defence and security. Our two nations represent nearly 40% of the defence budget of European Allies, and more than 50% of European spending on research and technology.
Since the Chequers Declaration in 1995, successive generations of leaders have recognised the intertwined nature of our vital interests, affirming that a threat to one would represent a threat against the other. In 2010, through the Lancaster House Treaties, our nations formalised this shared cooperation to address the challenges of that era: expeditionary warfare and counterterrorism.
Fifteen years later, the threats we face have changed fundamentally with state-on-state conflict rising globally and, since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the return of full-scale war to Europe. We have a shared responsibility to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security and recall, in this regard, the critical deterrence that NATO provides. We reaffirm the importance of intensifying our efforts in support of NATO and acting jointly within it. We also recognise the value of a stronger and more capable European defence that contributes positively to transatlantic and global security and is complementary to, and interoperable with, NATO. In this regard, we underline that the European Union remains a unique and essential partner for NATO. We also welcome the progress we have made on the UK-EU Security Defence Partnership in bringing together our shared interests in protecting the continent.
The UK and France share the same understanding of the threats we face. The return of conventional warfighting at scale in Europe and beyond, strategic competition on the global stage, combined with hostile state activity, rapid expansion in hybrid warfare and disinformation, create a febrile and dangerous international order. States are increasingly using hybrid tactics against us, either directly or using proxies, to undermine our national security and our democracies.
The UK and France are willing and able to act together, decisively, to protect our shared interests, allies, partners in Europe and beyond, values and, fundamentally, our democratic way of life. We must be ready and willing to oppose our adversaries across the full spectrum of national security, requiring a new, whole of society and government approach. We are resolved to deepen and expand our partnership to jointly deter and respond to the heightened challenge these evolving threats pose including cyber, sabotage, espionage, malign use of artificial intelligence and foreign information manipulation and interference. This can only be achieved by the further integration of our Military, National Security, Diplomatic, Intelligence and Economic levers.
It is in this context that we, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and President of the French Republic, have decided to reboot, modernise and build upon our bilateral defence and security relationship, including under the Lancaster House Treaties, in order to effect a generational shift in both our bilateral cooperation and our joint contribution to the defence of Europe, its citizens and of its interests. Today, we have declared our intent to carry out a series of ambitious projects and new areas of collaboration that will underpin our defence and security relationship for the next fifteen years and beyond.
a. Setting out our contribution to the defence of European partners and NATO Allies, and stating that whilst our nuclear forces are independent, they can be coordinated, as set out in the Northwood Declaration;
b. Enhancing mutual understanding of respective nuclear deterrence policies, doctrine and plans, and strengthening our ability to make coordinated decisions in peace time and in crisis;
c. Expanding cooperation on nuclear research (as initiated since 2010) including by making greater use of the facilities in each other’s countries;
d. Coordinating more closely to uphold and reinforce the international non-proliferation architecture; and
e. Establishing a UK-France Nuclear Steering Group to provide political direction for this cooperation, led by the Presidency of the French Republic and the Cabinet Office to coordinate across policy, capability and operations.
a. Significantly increase the declared Combined Joint Force (CJF) capacity, up to fivefold, ensuring the ability to plan and command Combined Corps Capability (the highest level of fielded forces in our armies). This Corp can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The CJF will facilitate the deployment of a force fully interoperable with NATO and available as the Alliance’s Strategic Reserve; this is a critical step towards the UK and France providing two fully interoperable Strategic Reserve Corps to NATO, enabled by the CJF.
b. Adopt new missions, enabling the CJF to conduct activity in the Euro-Atlantic to deter our adversaries and reassure our Allies and partners, while also being prepared to compete with our adversaries further afield if needed.
c. Establish a mechanism to share, coordinate and synchronise military activity and the deployment of UK and French forces globally, ensuring we are providing the most effective deterrence posture.
d. Establish a dedicated cell to operationalise the CJF, overseeing military strategic coordination and planning through to operational coordination.
e. Maintain the ability for the CJF to integrate additional allies and partners under UK-French leadership and to ensure the CJF is complementary to NATO.
f. Use the CJF structures to underpin the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine. The force will provide the joint planning framework to cohere the Coalition, ensure joint operational and strategic messaging. It will provide Coalition leadership and command and control for the planning and operational deployment of the Coalition covering all five domains, preparing for the operational deployment of the CJF in the event of a ceasefire – which can be supported by allies.
a. Launch the development phase of the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme to provide the next generation of long-range, highly survivable Deep Strike Missiles.
b. Jointly develop the next generation of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for our fighter jets, while also extending the Meteor capability, launching a joint study with industry to inform our future development of its successor.
c. Acquire new SCALP & Storm Shadow missiles, following their successful use by Ukraine, upgrading UK and French production lines to bolster national stockpiles to deter our adversaries.
d. Establish a new, joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office, embedded with OCCAR, through which we will deliver our joint projects within OCCAR, starting with SCALP & Storm Shadow acquisition and also working closely with MBDA to identify the opportunities from our investments and to reduce duplication, working closely with MBDA, starting with studies on Air Dominance and Cooperative Strike future capabilities.
e. Focus greater efforts on integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) in our capability relationship, including (but not limited to) C-UAS and counter-hypersonic capabilities, drawing especially from the Aster family increments, including potentially SAMP/T NG and CAMM.
f. Continue to work closely on current and future long range strike capabilities through the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA initiative). Along with our ELSA allies (amongst them Germany), we will remain open to expanding this cooperation to extended-range deep strike capability should military requirements and industrial capacity align. We will be carefully examining, with our defence industries, the capability opportunities this presents.
g Develop a Directed Energy Weapons partnership, sharing information, collaborating on research and projects of shared interest, and exploring industry collaboration on radiofrequency weapons.
h. Collaborate on developing algorithms for synchronised missile and drone strikes using artificial intelligence and machine learning, to build our future interoperability.
i. Explore a combat air interoperability roadmap, including potential collaboration on armaments, to support the connectivity and interoperability of our current and future combat air forces and their contribution to European and NATO air superiority.
j. Commit to align standards for weapons safety and testing, to bring operational benefits and save time and money in our joint programmes.
k. Work closely together on wider export campaigns for UK-French capabilities and establishing a new joint team, with an initial focus on supporting the export of A400M (including through the set up of a NATO High Visibility Project) and identifying further concrete areas for joint export promotion.
l. Recognising the importance of improving European defence industrial resilience, the UK and France will enhance reciprocal market access in defence and security.
a. Developing a new Bilateral Vision Statement between the armies and committing to enduring support to NATO through the CJF. This represents operational interoperability at the highest level of fielded forces in our armies, enhancing British and French joint commitments and opportunities offered through the Forward Land Forces in Estonia.
b. Driving naval interoperability in support of warfighting, notably on information, data and communications, leveraging the opportunities of next generation digital architectures, deepening cooperation on maritime air defence, and continuing to coordinate Carrier Strike Group activity. Additionally, expanding cooperation on global maritime domain awareness to better deter maritime hybrid threats, including to critical undersea infrastructure and sanctions circumvention by the Russian Shadow Fleet, with an initial focus on the Channel and the Atlantic. Finally, facilitating mutual access support facilities for naval aircraft and warships.
c. Increasing the complexity of combined Air Defence exercises, cooperating on responses to High-Altitude threats, enhancing cooperation in the development of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities, particularly in the integration of Command And Control (C2) systems. Pursuing a joint ambition to develop the A400M into a multi-mission platform, incorporating C2, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and potential strike capabilities. Aiming to synchronise fast jet pilot training to enhance interoperability and efficiency.
d. Enabling interoperability across the space domain, including satellite communications capabilities, developing cooperation and potential joint capability in space control, space-based ISR systems, and Low Earth Orbit satellites. We will jointly spearhead closer operational space coordination and deliver space support to bolster Euro-Atlantic security operations.
e. Sharing best practice in Cyber, with the UK providing support to the French establishment of a Cyber Training Academy, and France supporting the establishment of the UK’s new Cyber & Electromagnetic Command. Jointly galvanising wider NATO Cyber exercise activity, whilst fusing UK-French operational cooperation to act amongst Allies as European leaders in the domain.
a. Work together to make the fullest possible use of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. Noting the shared UK and EU commitment to explore possible mutual involvement in respective defence initiatives, including within the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument, in accordance with the respective legal frameworks, the UK and France will explore possibilities for mutually beneficial enhanced cooperation.
b. Strengthen our defence and security policy coordination and cooperation on key areas for Euro-Atlantic security (Ukraine, NATO, the future of Euro-Atlantic security) and reasserting the unique contribution of our bilateral partnership to European and global security.
c. Exploit areas of policy dialogue and cooperation in countering hybrid threats, Space, Cyber and AI – including through fostering links between national agencies, exchanging doctrines and responsible practices.
d. Launch a new Global Maritime Security Dialogue to cohere our strategic approaches to deterring threats to our shared maritime interests.
e. Establishing a dialogue on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief to build on our existing frameworks and scope future mutual assistance arrangements.
f. Coordinate and align resources to enhance regional resilience, including on maritime security, in the Indo-Pacific in the medium-term and, in accordance with our respective international obligations, provide for reciprocal base access to facilities, including Réunion Island, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
g. Bring together our intelligence, law enforcement and policy expertise across the overt and covert environments to deter, counter and respond to the full range of hybrid threats including physical threats to people, sabotage and foreign interference, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), cyber and espionage. Jointly pursuing attributions and coordinating on sanctions, as well as exploring how we can further lead joint operational efforts to combat the hybrid threats. We will continue our cooperation in NATO, G7 and other multilateral forums.
h. Further strengthen our cooperation to counter FIMI, to raise the costs for states seeking to undermine our security and democratic institutions. We will pursue the interoperability of our systems to analyse FIMI and increase efforts to jointly respond to it, including through exposure, sanctions and strategic communication. We will continue working together to build collective responses to FIMI in multilateral fora.
i. Build on the UK-French Pall Mall Process and the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, to tackle the threat posed by the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion capabilities and address the shared challenges we face in cyberspace, and increase the cost to our adversaries through deterrence, sanctions and attributions.
j. Engage in regular technical exchanges and proactively exploring joint research opportunities to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, while addressing associated national security challenges. The UK and France are uniquely placed to lead international efforts and response capabilities.
k. Jointly maximise our impact against the highest-threat terrorist groups. Internationally, we will deepen our cooperation with Syria, and will look to enhance our coordination against the expanding terrorist threat in sub-Saharan Africa and central Asia. Domestically, we will build resilience against terrorist threats to critical infrastructure, including transport connections between our countries.
a. Develop a new joint UK-France cross government secure communication system.
b. Expand people and training links between the UK and French Militaries, optimising our networks of exchange and liaison officers, with a focus on junior officer exchanges, to develop a shared strategic culture in the next generation of military leaders across all three services.
c. Continue to enable the constant exchange of national security and defence personnel and their families, to constantly deepen and forge our relationship for future generations and to ensure our Armed Forces have the conditions they need to perform effectively, and that they, and their family members, do not experience disadvantages as a result of their service. This might include reciprocal access to rights to work and related facilitations for defence personnel and their household members serving in each other’s countries.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Indian Navy is set to commission its first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on July 18, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, will be formally inducted into the Eastern Naval Command to support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, the Navy said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the Navy, INS Nistar showcases the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Over 120 MSMEs contributed to the project, which has achieved more than 80 per cent indigenous content.
The commissioning marks a step forward in the Navy’s vision of designing and building complex platforms within the country.
The new DSV carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the erstwhile USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. The original Nistar served the Navy for two decades, playing a vital role in submarine rescue and diving operations.
The ship’s motto, Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam — which translates to Deliverance with Precision and Bravery — reflects its mission profile and operational capabilities.
At around 120 metres long and displacing more than 10,000 tonnes, INS Nistar is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System that allows it to maintain its position with high accuracy during complex operations.
Its onboard diving complex includes both air and saturation diving systems, along with underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR, significantly expanding its operational scope. As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), the vessel will enhance the Navy’s submarine rescue preparedness.
The ship is also equipped with an operation theatre, intensive care unit, eight-bed hospital and hyperbaric medical facilities, which are crucial for supporting rescue and diving missions.
With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, the capacity for helicopter operations and a 15-ton subsea crane, INS Nistar is expected to be a versatile addition to India’s maritime fleet.
The Navy said the induction of INS Nistar will boost India’s underwater operational capability and strengthen its strategic maritime posture across the Indian Ocean Region.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released text messages, email exchanges, and documents further corroborating the whistleblower disclosures of Mr. Erez Reuveni, formerly the Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Immigration Litigation at the Department of Justice, on Emil Bove’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
On the disclosures and the status of Mr. Bove’s judicial nomination, which is eligible for a vote at the next Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Durbin released the following statement:
“Erez Reuveni was a career Justice Department attorney who vigorously defended President Trump’s immigration policies during his first Administration. So, when this loyal public servant came forward with serious allegations of misconduct by Emil Bove, I knew it was out of principle—not politics.
“Senators raised these allegations at Emil Bove’s judicial nomination hearing, and he offered only carefully wordsmithed responses. So, I asked for documentation from Mr. Reuveni to further substantiate his claims. That’s what I’m releasing to the public today.
“And clearly substantiate Mr. Reuveni’s claims they do. Text messages, email exchanges, and documents show that the Department of Justice misled a federal court and disregarded a court order. Mr. Bove spearheaded this effort, which demanded attorneys violate their ethical duty of candor to the court. And if Mr. Bove simply ‘can’t recall’ any of this and demands his subordinates compromise their professional obligations, he doesn’t have the moral judgment or character to serve in a lifetime position on the federal court.
“These episodes can only lead to one conclusion: Emil Bove belongs nowhere near the federal bench. This vote will be a litmus test for Senate Judiciary Republicans. This is about more than a random f-bomb. This is a declaration of defiance of our courts at the highest level of our government by a man who now seeks a lifetime appointment to one of the highest courts in our land.”
Following Mr. Bove’s judicial nomination hearing, Durbin requested the documents from Mr. Reuveni in a private letter to his attorneys. Durbin also led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in further investigation of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Defense regarding Mr. Reuveni’s accounts.
For a summary of Mr. Reuveni’s document production, click here.
For a PDF of Mr. Reuveni’s first documents production, click here.
For a PDF of Mr. Reuveni’s second documents production, click here.
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