MORNING NEWS BRIEF [FEBRUARY 15, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The EU called on China to reverse their ban on BBC World News that was viewed as a retaliation against the UK for removing the license of CGTN. Source: France 24 
2. Iranian’s Army tested their new smart missiles with a range of 300km that can be fired in any weather conditions and identify the target accurately by automated system. Source: China.org.cn
3. One of WHO investigators to Wuhan claimed that China refused to hand over the raw patient data and only provided summary that caused controversy over the investigation. Source: The Guardian

WORLD

1. Syrian media outlet SANA claimed that Israel has been conducting aerial bombing from Golan Height to Damascus as Syria’s air defense system repelled the attacks. Source: Sputnik
2. Australia put the travel bubble with New Zealand on halt to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 across the border after three new community cases in Auckland were detected. Source: CNA
3. Biden signed an executive order to reestablish the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to strengthen religious partnership. Source: Eurasia Review

REGIONS

1. Singapore’s economy declined by 5.4 percent, in 2020, less than what has been initially estimated of 5.8 percent contraction, showing signs of a gradual recovery in 2021. Source: CGTN
2. Myanmar troops and armored vehicles appeared in Yangon, Myitkyina and Sittwe fired to confront the demonstrators after the internet had been cut. Source: CNA
3. Japan experienced an earthquake of 7.3 magnitude in Fukushima that has injured more than 140 people and caused temporary power outages across Japan. Source: Bangkok Post

CAMBODIA

1. Japan agreed to provide a grant worth USD754,321 to Cambodia to support education and agriculture sectors under the framework of Japanese NGO projects. Source: AKP
2. Cambodia has approved two more vaccines, China’s Sinovac and England’s AstraZeneca,  for emergency use, according to the Ministry of Health. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
3. The Mekong River Commission’s analysis report showed that the declining river water level would impact negatively on agriculture and fish migration in Cambodia. Source: Khmer Times