MORNING NEWS BRIEF [May 03, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea’s generals convened a meeting in Hawaii to discuss the North Korea issue and the significance of rule-based international order in the region. Source: Nikkei Asia
2. The U.S. stated that the reports on the prisoner swap agreement being reached with Iran is untrue as there is no deal to release the four detained Americans. Source: TASS
3. New Zealand’s PM said the differences between China and New Zealand became harder to reconcile their ties as China’s influence grows bigger and shifts in direction. Source: CNA

WORLD

1. The Group of Seven has pledged to counter Russian propaganda, citing that Moscow is trying to spread disinformation in elections or  lies about COVID-19 vaccines. Source: Reuters
2. The Afghan government forces and Taliban clashed after the U.S. military handed over the military base, killing more than 100 insurgents in the past 24 hours. Source: CNA
3. Russia continued to supply oil to refineries in Belarus as agreed upon the contracts despite the U.S. sanctions being put in place, said Belarusian Prime Minister. Source: Sputnik

REGIONS

1. China’s aircraft carrier group has conducted routine annual exercises in the South China Sea after Beijing criticised the U.S. for sending Navy ships into the strategic area. Source: CNA
2. North Korea has slammed the U.S. for pursuing a hostile policy towards its nuclear program, stating that it could pose threats to DPRK and warned of a retaliatory response. Source: France 24
3. Indian’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to gain supporters in four states in the recent state election, which resulted from the mishandling of COVID-19 situation. Source: AP

CAMBODIA

1. Indian expects to boost export and enhance trade and commercial relations with Cambodia as both countries are preparing for talks on bilateral free trade agreement. Source: Khmer Times
2. The ruling party’s spokesman denounced a claim from Amnesty International regarding the  lockdown measures, saying that no one is starving in Cambodia. Source: Khmer Times
3. Cambodia has temporarily prohibited the imports of frozen meat and meat productions from India until further notice as India has been severely hit by COVID-19. Source: Khmer Times