MORNING NEWS BRIEF [May 07, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The U.S. Secretary of State said the U.S is willing to provide the security assistance extended to Ukraine over Russia’s growing aggressiveness. Source: Reuters
2. South Korea’s Unification Minister said the possibility of North Korea carrying out provocative moves ahead of the summit between ROK and the U.S. is relatively low. Source: Yonhap News Agency
3. The EU will not provide funding and technical support for the organization of the election in Haiti, claiming that Haiti lacks the sufficiency of transparency and democracy. Source: VOA

WORLD

1. The EU supported the U.S. plan on waiving patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines although the drugmakers and government claimed it will not solve the global shortage. Source: CNA
2. The U.S. said it is possible to resume the nuclear deal with Iran before the elections take place in Tehran, and to secure the release of the detained Americans. Source: The National
3. Germany rejected the U.S. proposal on waiving patents on the stance that it will complicate the vaccine production and cause  incentive loss for the industry. Source: Sputnik

REGIONS

1. China has put off all activity under a high-level economic dialogue with Australia amid growing diplomatic rift between both countries over a range of issues. Source: CNBC
2. Japan is committed to expand their defense capabilities in space, cybersecurity and electromagnetic domains in response to the growing threats from China and Russia. Source: SCMP
3. HK pro-democracy activist, Joshua Wong, will be jailed for another ten months over his participation in an unauthorized vigil marking the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Source: France 24

CAMBODIA

1. MEF announced a reduction in unnecessary expenditure by a number of ministries, adding that this reduction would not really affect the work activities of ministries and institutions. Source: Khmer Times
2. Cambodia’s economy is expected to bounce back positively in 2021 due to the immediate vaccination program and continuous support of fiscal policy, said the AMRO. Source: AKP
3. MoJ and other ministries convened a meeting to discuss four areas of government reform, including public administration, public finance, sub-national administration and judicial sector. Source: The Phnom Penh Post