HOT NEWS
- The UK’s intelligence agencies are concerned with the linkage between the UK’s universities and the Chinese government amid claims that defense technology is exported to China. Source: Bloomberg
- A confidential UN report showed that North Korea maintained and developed its nuclear and ballistic missile programs throughout 2020 with $300M funding from cyber attacks. Source: Reuters
- The UN Human Right Council will hold a special session on February 12th for Myanmar’s political crisis after Britain and the EU requested for the panel. Source: The Straits Times
WORLD
- The UK called for a reset of relations with the EU and a refinement of Brexit that will cover trade deals with NIR, after Brussel attempted to restrict COVID-19 vaccines. Source: Reuters
- The EU has completed the second contract with Pfizer and Biotech regarding the supply of another 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Source: CNA
- WHO Chief claimed that the current COVID-19 vaccines may not be effective against the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa. Source: Sputnik
REGIONS
- President Xi expressed China’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relations with Vietnam in strategic communication, enhance trust and maintain political guidance of two leaders. Source: Xinhua Net
- Martial law was declared in Mandalay, Myanmar which bans people in seven townships from gathering and setting the curfew from 8 pm until 4 am. Source: CNA
- Malaysia insisted on being an attractive spot for investors despite the UN showing the report that the country is struggling with the worst decline in FDI last year. Source: The Straits Times
CAMBODIA
- Indian government announced that they will donate 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia on an urgent basis, following the request from Cambodia’s Prime Minister. Source: Khmer Times
- The Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a policy that enables free legal consultation and protection of the poor to enhance service in social justice field. Source: Khmer Times
- MOH announced that the Sinopharm vaccines will be administered at four hospitals in Phnom Penh for people between 18 to 59 years old on a voluntary basis. Source: AKP