Merkel urges fellow leaders to contribute more to multilateral organisations
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged fellow leaders to consider providing further support to multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the World Health Organisation to speed recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Britain deeply concerned by China’s legislation for Hong Kong: PM’s spokesman
Britain’s government is deeply concerned about China’s legislation on national security for Hong Kong, which risks undermining the principle of one nation, two systems, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.
EU plans permanent stockpile of essential drugs, medical gear
The European Commission said on Thursday it wanted to set up a permanent reserve of essential drugs and medical equipment to address shortages that have dogged the EU for years and worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia to refocus international aid to health security on doorstep
Australia will divert A$280 million ($185.25 million) in overseas aid this year to bolster the response of its closest neighbours to the coronavirus pandemic, with Canberra warning the stability of the Indo-Pacific region is at risk.
China parliament advances Hong Kong security law as tensions with U.S. rise
China’s parliament approved a decision on Thursday to go forward with national security legislation for Hong Kong that democracy activists in the city and Western countries fear could erode its freedoms and jeopardise its role as a global financial hu…
For Lebanese families made poor by crisis, dinner means bread and no meat
At a street market in southern Beirut, Lebanese crowd around volunteers handing out free rations of bread and pasta, staples that have become a lifeline to families whose living standards have plunged during a financial crisis.
Taiwan pledges help for fleeing Hong Kongers, riles China
Taiwan promised on Thursday to settle Hong Kongers who flee the Chinese-ruled city for political reasons, offering help from employment to counselling, and prompting angry condemnation from Beijing as it pushes security legislation for Hong Kong.
UK police to take no action against PM’s adviser Cummings: Telegraph
British police said Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s senior adviser Dominic Cummings did breach the coronavirus lockdown but that it was minor and so they will take no further action, the Telegraph reported.
Coronavirus patients flood hospitals in Indonesia’s second-largest city
Hospitals in Indonesia’s second largest city of Surabaya have been overwhelmed by a surge of new coronavirus cases, forcing them to turn patients away, the Indonesian Medical Association said on Thursday.
Russian village building LNG supply plant to get new hospital after COVID-19 outbreak
Russia’s Arctic region of Murmansk plans to build a new temporary hospital in a village where a vital liquefied natural gas supply plant is being built after an outbreak of the new coronavirus.
