MORNING NEWS BRIEF [June 16, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The EU officials voiced their concerns that the Australia-UK free trade agreement may threaten the efforts to ease the tensions in Northern Ireland in the post-Brexit deal. Source: Politico
2. Israel carried out airstrike on Gaza Strip and the Israeli military stated that this move was a response to the incendiary balloon launched from the Palestinian territory. Source: The Guardian
3. The U.S. CDC will reclassify the highly contagious COVID-19 strain, known as Delta strain B1.617.2 originated from India, as the variant of concern due to its severity. Source: The New York Post

WORLD

1. The EU and the U.S. have reached an agreement on the dispute over aircraft subsidies in which Washington will conditionally suspend the tariffs for 5 years. Source: VOA
2. Azerbaijan and Turkey signed the declaration on allied relations as both counterparts vowed to expand their ties in all areas of cooperation, including in defense. Source: TASS
3. Brazilian President threatened to veto a bill on COVID-19 passports, currently discussed in the parliament, which allows vaccinated citizens an access to public spaces. Source: Sputnik

REGIONS

1. Beijing accused NATO of exaggerating China threat theory in various forms to create confrontation, after the Western allies vowed to counter challenges posed by its policies. Source: CNA
2. China’s air force sent 28 fighter aircraft into Taiwan southwestern ADIZ, making it the biggest incursion this year, as Taiwan is seeking to strengthen ties with the U.S. Source: The Straits TImes
3. Kim Jong-Un said the country’s economy has improved but measures to strengthen food security will be put in place due to the tense food situation caused by the coronavirus. Source: Reuters

CAMBODIA

1. attended the 15th ADMM, the 8th ADMM-Plus and the ASEAN-China Defense Minster’s Informal Meeting to discuss regional and international security environment. Source: AKP
2. Cambodia and Laos pledged to further strengthen mutual ties and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral framework as both sides praised the 65 years of  diplomatic ties. Source: AKP
3. The two-way trade between Cambodia and the Republic of Korea valued more than USD302 million in the first five months of 2021, a year-on-year rise of 2.66 percent. Source: TKhmer Times