MORNING NEWS BRIEF [December 08, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Biden warned that Washington and the Western allies would collectively impose strong economic sanctions should Russia continue to pursue the invasion of Ukraine. Source: Politico
2. The British government is considering limiting government representatives for the Beijing Winter Olympic as a result of a diplomatic rift concerning Beijing’s human rights situation. Source: The Straits Times
3. Belgium and China are set to boost their bilateral relations in key areas including biomedien and putting collective efforts to address the threats of global challenges. Source: China.org.cn

WORLD

1. The U.S. imposed more sanctions on dozens of Iranian officials and entities over their serious human right abuses, days after  nuclear talks showed no signs of progress. Source: The Times of Israel
2. Belarus has taken tit-for-tat measures by imposing a food embargo for goods on Western countries that, as it said, pursued unfriendly, discriminating policy toward it. Source: TASS
3. The U.S. top scientist said that the Omicron COVID-19 variant is possibly midler than the previous strain but asserted that it would take weeks to fully judge its severity. Source: Bangkok Post

REGIONS

1. Australia will join the U.S.-led  diplomatic boycott and will not send their delegation to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic, a move which will further fuel their fragile ties. Source: The Straits Times
2. The South Korean, Chinese and Japanese Ministry of Environment agreed to establish a consultative body to discuss efforts to cooperate in carbon neutrality policy. Source: KBS World Radio
3. Roingya refugees in Myanmar sued the Meta for USD 150B on the allegation that the company did not take action over the anti-rohingya speech that caused violence. Source: Jakarta Post

CAMBODIA

1. PM Hun Sen confirmed that he will pay his two-day visit to Myanmar in early January next year, expecting to return Naypyidaw back to normalcy for the bloc’s coming summit. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. Cambodia and other Mekong-Lancang countries convened talks to discuss policy dialogue, exchange of technologies, exchange of information, and beyond. Source: Khmer Times
3. Cambodia and the Philippines agreed to boost business and economic cooperation in the fields of ICT and innovation, agriculture, manufacturing, financing, and beyond. Source: AKP