CHINA
Annual U.S. Congress Report on China is Curiously Light on Nuclear Arms Info
Rachel Oswald, Global Security Newswire – November 21, 2013
A report for Congress by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is surprisingly short on detail about China’s growing nuclear arsenal compared to prior years. The 465 page document did not mention vital information regarding updates to China’s ICBM program which includes the newly installed DF-31 missile. In prior years, an entire section was devoted to status updates from the Department of Defense and intelligence communities.
China’s Nuclear Submarines Are Less Than Advertised
Joshua Philipp, Epoch Times – November 20, 2013
China’s newest ballistic missile submarines lack accuracy, stealth and survivability according to U.S. Navy Admiral Jonathan Greenert. The newest class of operational submarines, the Jin-class, is reportedly louder than some Soviet-era submarines from 30 years ago. The limited range of China’s submarine launched ballistic missiles also means that in order to even successfully target Hawaii, the easy-to-detect submarine would have to enter the Sea of Japan or the Philippine Sea.
IRAN
Kerry: Iran Leader’s Anti-Israel Remarks Were ‘Inflammatory’
Michael Crittenden, Wall Street Journal – November 21, 2013
Secretary of State John Kerry has responded to comments made earlier this week by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying that Israel is a “rabid dog” of the region. Kerry called the comment “inflammatory” and said that it could hurt ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Kerry went onto say that the U.S. stands with Israel and that no one’s interests are served through name calling.
Iran, six powers struggle to over snags in nuclear talks
Louis Charbonneau and Parisa Hafezi, Reuters – November 22, 2013
Iran and the members of the P5+1 are reportedly struggling to reach a deal due to several points of contention. Negotiators from the United States and Europe have begun playing down the prospects of finding success in this round of talks. Iran has raised some objection to what it sees as excessive demands, and progress has been hindered by disagreement over Iran’s “right” to enrich uranium.
On Verge of a nuclear deal, Iran appears to harden its stance
Paul Richter, Los Angeles Times – November 21, 2013
Just as it looked like a deal might be reached on Thursday, Iran began pushing for sanctions relief as part of the interim deal instead of it coming as part of the final deal. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi began demanding relief from oil and banking sanctions as well as recognition of its entitlement to enrich uranium. Offering sanctions relief as part of an interim deal without verification that Iran was living up to its part of the bargain was seen as a major, unacceptable concession by the U.S. and Europe.
Corker Rolls Out Sanctions Legislation
Jordain Carney, National Journal – November 21, 2013
Sen. Bob Corker introduced legislation that requires Iran to comply with both UN Security Council Regulations and any deal arranged by negotiators in Geneva before President Obama has authority to lift sanctions. The legislation would give the Obama administration 60 days to reach an interim agreement with Iran and 180 days to reach a final agreement. He also added that sanctions lifted would be reinstated if Iran failed to comply with any parts of a deal.
MISSILE DEFENSE
Turkey-China Antimissile Deal May Happen Soon: Sources
Global Security Newswire – November 22, 2013
Turkey may sign a deal with China to purchase missile defense technology much sooner than initially expected. The deal, which is opposed by the U.S. and NATO, would provide Turkey with the Chinese made FD-2000 missile defense system. The U.S. and NATO have been trying to discourage Turkey from purchasing the system because they fear it may be incompatible with other missile-defense technology and because it could pose a cyber-security threat by allowing China access to other computer systems.
