MORNING NEWS BRIEF [January 21, 2022]

HOT NEWS

1. China and Russia blocked the U.S. proposal to impose new sanctions against five North Koreans in response to its recent launches of missile tests at the UNSC meeting. Source: Al Jazeera
2. The U.S. and the UK agreed to start talks that seek to resolve trade disputes over steel and aluminum tariffs although the specific date for the talks has not been finalized yet. Source: Reuters
3. The Russian Foriegn Ministry spokeswoman said that Russia and Belarus will respond appropriately to the accumulation of military troops by Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. Source: teleSUR

WORLD

1. The U.S. announced sanctions on four current and former Ukrainian officials who allegedly worked with Russian intelligence service to cause instability in Ukraine. Source: The National
2. Turkish President has announced that Ankara seeks to host a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian Presidents to settle the on-going disputes between the two countries. Source: TASS
3. French government will lift most of its COVID-19 restrictions in February, although the indoor mask-wearing and vaccine pass policy will still be in place. Source: Politico Europe

REGIONS

1. The US Navy denied that it had been warned off by the Chinese forces while entering waters near the Paracel island in the South China Sea. Source: Reuters
2. China and South Korea make a commitment to greater openness, creating better conditions for the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment under RCEP. Source: Global Times
3. The Japanese government has placed 13 prefectures including Tokyo under a quasi-state of emergency from Jan. 21 until Feb. 13 due to a rise in Omicron cases. Source: The New York Times

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia, as the Chair for ASEAN 2022, has urged all parties concerned in the clashes in Kayah state of Myanmar to cease all acts of violence and to begin the dialogue. Source: AKP
2. MoEYS and France reached a deal on science and technology cooperation to boost the partnership among researchers and build a sustainable scientific community. Source: Khmer Times
3. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Jetro agreed in principle to examine the possibility of signing a MoU to bolster cooperation in investment and trade. Source: The Phnom Penh Post