MORNING NEWS BRIEF [April 12, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The EU claimed that Russia and China attempted to block the international response to Myanmar’s coup and were willing to offer economic incentive if democracy returns. Source: U.S. News
2. The Biden administration discussed with NATO allies about Russia’s military buildup along Ukrainian border amid growing tension between two nations in the Donbass region. Source: CNBC
3. The U.S. expressed their concerns over China’s increasing assertiveness against Taiwan and warned about the tension due to the status quo in the Western Pacific by force. Source: CNA

WORLD

1. Turkey has voiced its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity as Ukrainian leader visited Istanbul amid increasing Russian military presence along the border of Ukraine. Source: Deutsche Welle
2. Israel has pledged to cooperate with the U.S. on Iranian nuclear deal in order to prevent a dangerous arms race in the region and to protect Israel’s national security. Source: Reuters
3. Iran has reported that their nuclear facility faced function failure by the terrorist sabotage after they released the news about the uranium enrichment equipment. Source: BBC News

REGIONS

1. ROK and the U.S. intelligence suspected that DPRK is ready to launch their 3,000 tonnes submarine ballistic missile for strategic effect and maximizing pressure against the U.S. Source: Sputnik
2. The Philippines and the U.S. will conduct hybrid joint military drills through both virtual and physical settings, which is the scale-down version due to the impact of COVID-19. Source: China.org.cn
3. China considered mixing their COVID-19 vaccines to increase the effectiveness after the available data showed that the Chinese vaccines lack efficiency compared to others. Source: The Independent

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia exported USD 1,120 million worth of goods to the U.S. in the first two months of 2021, a year-on-year growth of 3.3 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Source: Khmer Times
2. The RGC issued a new sub-decree on the mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 that will apply to civil servants, armed forces and other individuals determined by MoH. Source: Khmer Times
3. MCFA has strongly reacted against the Vice Asia website for manipulating the photos of Khmer Rouge victims by adding smiles, stating that it affects the victims’ dignity. Source: AKP