MORNING NEWS BRIEF [May 20, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. The Israeli Embassy in Beijing has accused China’s CGTN of anti-semitic conspriracy, as a presenter said the U.S.’s position on the Middle East crisis was lobbied by Jews. Source: CNA
2. Chinese FM lashed out at Nancy Pelosi who called for a diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic as a condemnation against China’s alleged human rights abuse. Source: teleSUR
3. Russia and China launched the joint flagship  construction of Tianwan and Xudapu nuclear power plants to provide Chinese people with additional clean and affordable energy. Source: Anadolu Agency

WORLD

1. Former U.S. trade negotiator said that it is not going to be easy to get European allies to join the U.S. battle against China because of the different priorities that each country faces. Source: SCMP
2. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the independent commission with 252 to 175 votes  to probe the deadly attack in the Capitol by Trump’s supporters. Source: Shanghai Daily
3. The EU has agreed to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions and reopen its border, allowing travelers who have been fully vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine to enter the bloc. Source: France 24

REGIONS

1. North Korean defectors and activists urged Biden to continue putting pressure on the DPRK’s government by sending envoys to address human rights concerns. Source: Reuters
2. Japan’s exports got the highest growth of 38 percent since 2010, supported by the sharp plunge in global trade during the pandemic last year and the increase in capital spending. Source: CNA
3. Myanmar army ordered  telecom and internet service providers to install intercept spyware that allows them to track the communication of citizens months before the coup. Source: Al Jazeera

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia and Australia vowed to strengthen their close ties, underlining the advancement of their bilateral cooperation in the trade sector and other areas. Source: AKP
2. KrisEnergy will start its first shipment with an expected amount up to 300,000 Bbl of crude oil to global markets within this month, making Cambodia one of the oil producing countries. Source: AKP
3. Phnom Penh authorities have announced the removal of all Red Zones within the Capital, and moved to lock down individual houses or condominiums of COVID-19 patients instead. Source: Khmer Times