MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 18, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Russia and China FMs jointly defended the politicization of virus origin’s tracing, WWII achievements and pledged to deepen political mutual trust and strategic cooperation. Source: People’s Daily
2. The UK, under the new resettlement program that gives priority to women, girls, religious and minorities groups, is expected to offer a legal route to 20,000 Afghans into Britain. Source: Al Jazeera
3. The Taliban pledged media freedom and women’s rights within the framework of Islamic law, as they held the first official news conference since the victory in Kabul. Source: Al Jazeera

WORLD

1. The U.S. and UK have agreed to convene a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach on the situation in Afghanistan. Source: The Globe and Mail
2. Peru’s FM offered his resignation letter following his controversial remarks on a  terrorist group that emerged from the support of the CIA and involved Peruvian navy. Source: Anadolu Agency
3. New Zealand’s PM announced a level four nationwide lockdown after the country recorded a new locally transmitted COVID-19 case in the community in six months. Source: CNN

REGIONS

1. The Chinese PLA conducted a joint assault drill in the airspace and waters near Taiwan, in response to external interference and provocations from Taiwan separatist forces. Source: China Daily
2. Japan is concerned that the U.S. plans to invest billions into chip manufacturing to compete with China could fend off Japan who used to dominate the semiconductor industry. Source: Reuters
3. Japan decided to extend their COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas while expanding the measures to 7 more prefectures after no subsiding infected cases. Source: China.org.cn

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia will provide USD 200,000 and necessary medical equipment to Myanmar to tackle the pandemic, adding that this move is a part of the ASEAN humanitarian assistance. Source: AKP
2. The Finance Minister said that Cambodia would have economic growth of 4.8 percent in 2022, citing that the vaccination campaign could push for a normalized society. Source: Khmer Times
3. The MoC has called for the engagement of all exporters to consult the drafting of a mechanism that will serve as a benchmark for Cambodian commercial exports to the UK. Source: The Phnom Penh Post