MORNING NEWS BRIEF [June 14, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. G7 has recently unveiled a new infrastructure project called Build Back Better World, aiming to compete with China’s BRI in infrastructure investment in low and middle income nations. Source: Al Jazeera
2. NATO allies agreed to review its defense strategic concepts that will guide the alliance’s approach on tackling threats from Russia and challenges posed by China’s military rise. Source: Sputnik
3. G7 leaders have agreed to tackle climate change and pledged a raise to USD100 billion a year to help developing countries move away from coal and cut emissions. Source: BBC

WORLD

1. Israel parliament approved a new coalition government led by a right-wing Jewish nationalist Bennett, putting an end to Netanyahu’s longest tenure as Israeli PM. Source: France24
2. Biden continued his Europe tour to Brussels for the NATO summit to repair transatlantic ties, and discuss climate change and the rise of China’s military after four tumultuous years. Source: Reuters
3. German Health Minister made a suggestion to drop the compulsory mask-wearing policy for outdoor activities as the transmission of COVID-19 is low. Source: BNN Bloomberg

REGIONS

1. South Korean FM and the U.S. counterpart reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to work collectively with Japan toward the denuclearization in the Korean peninsula. Source: Reuters
2. G7 leaders called for a new investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and urged China to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Source: South China Morning Post
3. The Philippines troops killed four Abu Sayyaf militants during the gun battle and the wanted commander who is the suspect in the kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia called on the U.S. Embassy to stop creating new scenarios and insisted that they respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and military classification over the military base. Source: Khmer Times
2. Cambodia urged all Mekong countries to join hands in tackling the pandemic by ensuring adequate access to vaccines and medications and sharing the information of COVID-19. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
3. Cambodia denied fake news allegations about China gaining access to data from StopCovid QR Code system, stating that it is a distortion of fact and exaggeration of reality. Source: Khmer Times