China concealed the early coronavirus outbreak, former MI6 spymaster says
China concealed crucial information about the novel coronavirus outbreak from the rest of the world and so should answer for its deceit, the former head of Britain’s MI6 foreign intelligence service said on Wednesday.
China urges United States to fulfill its obligations to WHO
China urged the United States on Wednesday to fulfill its obligations to the World Health Organization (WHO), after U.S. President Donald Trump halted funding to the body over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Top China official to Hong Kong urges national security law ‘as soon as possible’
China’s most senior official in Hong Kong said on Wednesday the city should work to introduce national security legislation “as soon as possible” as violent protests last year had undermined its rule of law, prosperity and stability.
Coronavirus cases in Russia near 25,000 after record daily rise
Russia on Wednesday reported 3,388 new cases of the coronavirus, a record daily rise, bringing its overall nationwide tally to 24,490, the country’s coronavirus response centre said.
Germany says WHO is one of best investments after Trump cuts funding
Strengthening the World Health Organization is one of the best investments, Germany’s foreign minister said on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday halted funding to the Geneva-based organisation.
Lacking protective gear, Japan’s Osaka pleads for plastic raincoats
The Japanese city of Osaka has issued an urgent plea for citizens to donate plastic raincoats to hospitals running short of protective gear for staff treating coronavirus patients, with some doctors resorting to wearing garbage bags.
India, Pakistan seek to lift some curbs to help millions hit by coronavirus lockdowns
India will allow industries located in the countryside to reopen next week, as well as resuming farm activities to reduce the pain for millions of people hit by a lengthy shutdown in its coronavirus battle, the government said on Wednesday.
What you need to know about the coronavirus right now
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
Factbox: Global reaction to Trump withdrawing WHO funding
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to temporarily halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the COVID-19 disease pandemic.
Latest on the spread of the coronavirus around the world
Reported cases of the coronavirus crossed 2 million globally and more than 131,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally on Wednesday.
