MORNING NEWS BRIEF [JANUARY 12, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The FBI is warning of possible armed protests planning to gather at all 50 state capitols ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration day amid fears of more pro-Trump violence. Source: BBC
2. Trump is facing a second impeachment after Democrat representatives formally charged him with one count of the incitement of insurrection after the U.S capitol riot. Source: The Guardian 
3. WHO said herd immunity won’t be achieved in 2021 despite vaccines and stressed the need to continue practicing physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing. Source: Al Jazeera

WORLD

1. The U.S. has not halted the withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan even if the new law prohibits further cuts without the Pentagon sending Congress risk assessment. Source: Reuters
2. The U.S. placed Cuba back on the state sponsors of terrorism list, citing Cuba has been providing support for terrorists and the country will be subjected to sanction. Source: Sputnik
3. Canadian Public safety officials are considering adding the far right Proud Boys to the terrorist list after witnessing their role in the U.S. capitol attack. Source: The Guardian

REGIONS

1. China condemned a joint statement made by the U.S., UK, Australia and Canada on the ground of violating China’s internal affairs and judicial sovereignty. Source: Xinhua Net
2. Malaysia will tighten measures by reimposing the Movement Control Order in five states and some federal territories for 2 weeks to combat the rising cases of COVID-19. Source: CNA
3. Indonesia’s food and drug monitoring agency granted the emergency usage of the Sinovac vaccine after the clinical trial reported 65% of its effectiveness against COVID-19. Source: The Straits Times

CAMBODIA

1. The Free Trade Deal negotiations between Cambodia and South Korea have progressed slowly despite both counterparts’ willingness to finalize the drafts by the end of 2020. Source: Khmer Times 
2. Cambodia exported USD6,059 millions worth of goods to the U.S. over the first 11 months of 2020, bringing the increase of 17 percent and 22 percent of decrease in trade. Source: Khmer Times 
3. Australia has contributed more than AUD100M in supporting Cambodia with demining activities since 1994, according to Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh. Source: AKP