MORNING NEWS BRIEF [DECEMBER 18, 2020]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S. warned about the assertiveness of their warships to respond to the violation of international law, by citing Chinese expansionist policy in the South China Sea. Source: The Straits Times 
2. Germany passed an IT security bill that allows Huawei to supply components for their 5G high-speed internet, with a guarantee from Huawei that they would not spy on Berlin. Source: Sputnik
3. Moderna, the second coronavirus vaccine candidate, will begin its first rollout after the U.S. panel of experts voted to recommend on the emergency approval to use it in the U.S. Source: BBC

WORLD

1. The Brexit trade agreement has entered a deadlock phase as PM Johnson raised the possibility of having no agreement unless the EU changes its stance. Source: The Straits Times
2. President-elect Joe Biden vowed to take action against those who are behind the cyberattack and will place cybersecurity as top priority when he is sworn into the office. Source: Sputnik
3. President Macron was reported to be COVID-19 positive and all the EU heads of government who have been in numerous meetings with Macron will be self-isolating. Source: Reuters

REGIONS

1. China said they welcome the international investigating team led by the WHO and  pledged to cooperate closely with the WHO to identify the origin of the COVID-19. Source: CNA
2. Japan has called forth the self defense force to help with a heavy snow disaster that had caused power outages to over 10,000 houses and left thousands of vehicles stranded. Source: The Straits Times
3. A Vietnamese pharmaceutical company called Nanogen’s Nanocovax will start their human trial vaccine tests with 60 participants who will be put under monitor for 72 hours. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. The government of Japan has agreed to provide a total of USD392,371 fund for the development projects in 3 provincial zones, Koh Kong, Kampong Cham and Mondulkiri. Source: AKP
2. The U.S. Ambassador in Cambodia met with five political parties as a part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-US diplomatic relations. Source: Khmer Times
3. MPTC had a series of virtual discussions with senior ICT experts and 15 major tech companies to work on advancement of ICT and effective tax collection on digital services. Source: AKP