MORNING NEWS BRIEF [April 09, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S. has blacklisted seven Chinese supercomputing companies, stating that these companies have conducted activities that are of concern to its national security. Source: Sputnik
2. German Chancellor told Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine in order to de-escalate tension in the Donbass region, while Moscow considered it as duty to protect its citizens. Source: Reuters
3. The U.K. will introduce the traffic light system to resume international travel beginning from May, that the system will categorize countries based on the risks of COVID-19. Source: The New York Post

WORLD

1. The U.S. will visit Israel, Germany, NATO headquarters in Belgium and the UK to discuss defense strategic partnership and ensure stability in the Atlantic. Source: Anadolu Agency
2. The EU expressed grave concerns about the violence in Northern Ireland and called for an end to the protests through a peaceful dialogue between the two governments. Source: China.org.cn
3. German Health Minister said that Germany will hold bilateral talks with Russia on the possibility of buying Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine if the EU regulators approve. Source: Deutsche Welle

REGIONS

1. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Myanmar state-owned gems enterprise aiming to curtail the military junta’s ability to generate revenues. Source: CNA
2. Kim Jong-un cited Arduous March which is the period of the worst economic hardship to warn his party members to put their efforts in achieving national economic recovery. Source: Yonhap News Agency
3. Australia held a cabinet meeting to revise plans on vaccination policy, recommending people over 50  to get Pfizer vaccine instead of AstraZeneca due to blood clot harms. Source: Reuters

CAMBODIA

1. MAFF will receive a USD 95 million loan from the French government and ADB to support two projects aimed at expanding Cambodia’s agricultural value chain. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. Cambodia requested ADB to further support the country’s development of cross-border facilities to strengthen and expand logistics and transportation sectors within the region. Source: AKP
3. The Swedish government provides USD 2.5 million to UNESCO, aiming to promote human rights, democracy and rule of law through media development in Cambodia. Source: Khmer Times