News from 2023


Hong Kong’s Declining Rule of Law

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to erode Hong Kong’s judicial independence and the rule of law.


2023 Hong Kong Policy Act Report

Consistent with sections 205 and 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (the “Act”) (22 U.S.C. 5725 and 5731) and section 7043(g)(3)(C) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. K, P.L. 117-328),


Intent to Open U.S. Embassy Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu

To further strengthen the bilateral relationship, the U.S. Department of State has conveyed the U.S. intent to the Ni-Vanuatu Government to open an embassy in the Republic of Vanuatu, subject to Congressional notification.


ISN Assistant Secretary Eliot Kang’s Keynote Address to CSIS-FKI Webinar

Thank you for that kind introduction, and I thank FKI and CSIS organizers for giving me the opportunity to speak to this distinguished body of participants in Seoul and Washington.


U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction in East Asia and the Pacific: Clearing Legacy Contamination, Promoting Environmental Resilience

Thousands of communities across East Asia and the Pacific face lingering dangers from landmines and explosive remnants of war dating back to World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Indochina Wars.


U.S. Special Representative for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Sung Kim to Meet Republic of Korea and Japanese Counterparts

U.S. Special Representative for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ambassador Sung Kim will travel to Seoul from April 6-7 to meet bilaterally and trilaterally with Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim Gunn and Japanese Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Funakoshi Takehiro.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta Before Their Meeting

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be with Foreign Minister Mahuta and to have an opportunity here at NATO to talk about our strong and vital partnership in the Indo-Pacific and in fact around the world.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Mahuta

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel:


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s always good to be back in Belgium, in Brussels, at the NATO Headquarters, which has become almost a home away from home.


U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Announcement

On April 11, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will welcome Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez to Washington, D.C. for a U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.


Release of Japan-U.S.-Mekong Power Partnership Action Plan

Today, at the Friends of the Mekong Senior Officials Meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR, the United States and Japan, together with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam, released the Japan-U.S.


Peace and Security in Africa: The Impact of Development Policies in the Implementation of the Silencing the Guns Initiative

At the outset, I would like to first thank President Nyusi for chairing today’s important discussion and congratulate him on Mozambique’s successful Security Council presidency.


Instability and Democratic Backsliding in Somaliland

The United States is increasingly concerned by the continuing violence in Lascanood and joins other international partners and neighbors in calling for de-escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution.


Senegal National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to President Sall and the people of Senegal as you celebrate 63 years of independence.


U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction in Africa: Stabilizing Conflict-Affected Areas, Promoting Environmental Resilience

The United States invests in conventional weapons destruction in Africa to foster lasting peace, security, and prosperity.


Outcomes of the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action this year, the United States will continue to place its commitment to multilateral engagement and human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy.


McCaul Slams White House Comments on Afghanistan Withdrawal: “Disgraceful and Insulting”

News Release: Washington, D.C.- House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement after the administration’s overdue decision to share Afghanistan withdrawal after-action reports with Congress. The chairman requested action in his Jan. 12, March 3, and March 20 letters to the...


U.S. Welcomes Canada’s Repatriation from Northeast Syria

Release: The United States appreciates Canada’s repatriation today of 14 women and children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.


U.S. Welcomes Canada’s Repatriation from Northeast Syria

News Release: The United States appreciates Canada’s repatriation today of 14 women and children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.


DOS grant application closes on June 12

Tomorrows Leaders Undergraduate (TLU) Program grant opened on April 7.