Politics

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo about the People’s Republic of China’s escalatory actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea.  Their discussion followed the PRC’s dangerous and irresponsible actions to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea on June 17.  Secretary Blinken emphasized that the PRC’s actions undermine regional peace and stability and underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty.  The Secretaries also exchanged views…

June 24, 2024   Presidential Determination No.        2024-05         MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE SUBJECT:       Designation of Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2321k) (the “Act”), I hereby designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the Act and the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.). You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal…

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam June 21 to 22.  He will meet with senior Vietnam government officials to underscore the strong U.S. commitment to implementing the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to working with Vietnam in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.  The Assistant Secretary will also reaffirm the United States’ support for a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam.  Finally, the Assistant Secretary will discuss shared objectives for next month’s ASEAN-related ministerial meetings, which will take place in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Official news published…

Disrupting Irregular Migration: Best Practices in Response to Recent Developments in the Aviation Sector Release Date: May 15, 2024 The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury are jointly issuing this alert to notify airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers of the ways in which migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks are exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. This statement conveys the U.S. government’s efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt illicit activity, and enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways. It follows an important…

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program has deepened the relationship between the United States and Germany for the last four decades, with more than 26,000 American and German participants since its start in 1983.  In celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary, the Department hosted a reception this week at the Library of Congress for American CBYX participants who just arrived home from Germany, along with other CBYX alumni, American host families, host school representatives, implementing program partners, and State Department officials. CBYX is a bilaterally funded program jointly administered by the governments of the United States and Germany.  It provides…

On the evening of June 6, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt broadcast a prayer for the Nation.  At the time, war was raging in Europe, and Hitler controlled most of it.  Freedom and democracy were under assault around the world.  But on that day, hope had landed on the beaches of Normandy when 73,000 Americans joined the Allied forces to carry out one of the greatest military missions of all time — a mission that would become known as D-Day.  Knowing the fate of the free world rested in their hands, President Roosevelt asked our Nation to pray for these…

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance on their historic victory in India’s general election.  The President also commended the people of India for participating in the largest democratic exercise in human history, with nearly 650 million going to the polls to vote.  The two leaders emphasized their commitment to deepening the U.S.-India Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership and to advancing their shared vision of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s upcoming travel to New…

The United States is today designating two entities based in the Central African Republic (CAR) for their efforts in supporting destabilizing activities by the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group in Africa.  Mining Industries SARLU and Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU have played a vital role in enabling Wagner Group security operations and illicit mining endeavors in CAR. Russia’s Wagner Group has committed widespread human rights abuses and appropriated natural resources across multiple countries in Africa.  A proxy military force of the Kremlin, the Wagner Group has carried out combat operations around the world, including in Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. Today’s action reflects our continued efforts to counter the Wagner Group’s damaging and destabilizing presence in Africa.  The United States remains committed to deterring and disrupting Russia’s destabilizing activities. The United States has taken previous action against several Wagner…

DHS Announces 26 Additional PRC-Based Textile Companies to the UFLPA Entity List  Release Date: May 16, 2024 Largest Ever One-Time Expansion Will Help Responsible Companies Keep Forced Labor out of their Supply Chain WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of 26 textile companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Effective May 17, 2024, goods produced by the named 26 entities will be restricted from entering the United States. By focusing on cotton manufacturers based outside of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region…

As leaders of countries deeply concerned for the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including many of our own citizens, we fully support the movement towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal now on the table and as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024.  There is no time to lose.  We call on Hamas to close this agreement, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and begin the process of releasing our citizens.  We note that this agreement would lead to an immediate ceasefire and rehabilitation of Gaza together with security assurances for Israelis, and Palestinians, and opportunities…