MORNING NEWS BRIEF [December 24, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Germany and France called on Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian seperatist forces to respect a renewed ceasefire pledge and continue dialogue for humanitarian support. Source: Deutsche Welle
2. Russia said that the U.S. is willing to discuss Moscow’s security proposal to ease the tension in the eastward expansion as fear of military escalation in Ukraine intensified. Source: TRT World
3. Biden Administration banned all imports from China’s Xinjiang region in response to the concerns of forced labor and human right violations leaving firms in the diplomatic fray. Source: Digital Journal

WORLD

1. Iraqi Foreign Minister made a rare appeal to call for direct negotiations between Iran and the U.S. before resuming negotiation talks over the stalled nuclear accord of 2015. Source: The Independent
2. Syrian and Russian officials urged the U.S. and its Western allies to remove their sanctions on Syria and to pull their illegitimate deployment of troops out of the country. Source: TASS
3. Ecuador announced their decision to impose mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 over the concerns of the new variants and the increase of infected cases. Source: teleSUR

REGIONS

1. Japan and the U.S defense forces drafted their plan for joint operation in the case of the emergency in Taiwan amid the increased tensions between Taiwan and China. Source: Reuters
2. South Korea and China held high-level strategic dialogue via video conference to exchange views on bilateral cooperation and address international and regional concerns. Source: China.org.cn
3. China has launched its long March-7A, a medium-sized high-orbit rocket, to deploy two satellites into space to conduct environment surveys and other related technology tests. Source: Xinhua

CAMBODIA

1. PM Hun Sen requested the Minister of Economic and Finance and Minister of Health to consider administering frontliners a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Source: Fresh News
2. The Central Committee meeting of Cambodia ruling party CPP is expecting to elect two more party vice presidents and the next prime ministerial candidate from the party. Source: Phnom Penh Post
3. Japan provided 11 X-rays scanners to Cambodia to prevent the import of drugs and weapons at the international borders for the upcoming 40th ASEAN Summit 2022. Source: Khmer Times