Gravitas: Tiny Lithuania takes on China – WION

Lithuania is doing what many so-called superpowers have failed to do. They invited Taiwan to open a de-facto embassy in Vilnius and is asking their citizens to dump Chinese phones. Palki Sharma tells you why this Baltic minnow is taking on Beijing.

China: Highest number of daily COVID cases since Wuhan outbreak – DW News

China has recorded its fourth rise in new coronavirus cases in a row. That’s despite some 13 million people already under lockdown in the country’s Shaanxi province. The spike in cases there has produced China’s highest infection rates since the pandemic’s very first outbreak in Wuhan.

Record low turnout for Hong Kong “patriots only” election

Pro-Beijing candidates claimed victory in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) election under the new “patriots only” system, per Reuters. Why it matters: This was the first LegCo since Beijing lawmakers passed a sweeping law to ensure only “patriotic” figures can run for positions of power — which U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken called a “denial of democracy.” Voter turnout was the lowest

Putin and Xi cement partnership in face of Western pressure

Xi accuses West of meddling in Chinese affairs Kremlin says Xi backs Putin push for security guarantees Putin, Xi expected to meet at Beijing Winter Olympics in Feb Trade between Russia and China rising sharply – Putin Russia and China should stand firm in rejecting Western interference and defending each other’s security interests, presidents Vladimir

France will not join boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics: Minister

France will not join a diplomatic boycott by other Western countries of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, Education and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said on Thursday (Dec 9). Asked about a boycott announced by the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada, Blanquer told RMC radio and BFM television that France “won’t do it”. “We

Let’s talk about Kellogg and basic questions about unions – Beau of the Fifth Column

Australia, UK join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games

UK PM says ministers will ‘effectively’ boycott Beijing Australia says athletes will attend but not govt officials Australian ties with China at low over COVID-19, trade U.S. bases action on China’s human rights ‘atrocities’ Japan considering diplomatic boycott – media Australia and Britain will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter

Bosnian Serbs demand their own army, leader says

The Serb member of Bosnia’s presidency, Milorad Dodik, has laid out plans for a Bosnian Serb army. But the Croat member of the presidency, Zeljko Komsic, has described it as a “criminal act of rebellion.” Bosnian Serbs are determined to form their own army, the Serb member of Bosnia’s three-part presidency, Milorad Dodik, said on Tuesday. In a

COVID cases push Myanmar’s healthcare to the brink – DW News

COVID-19 cases are surging in Myanmar. After six months of military rule, only forty percent of its healthcare facilities are open. But with public mistrust at near all-time highs, many are turning away from public hospitals, leaving families to fend for themselves.

Taxes & Smuggling – Prelude to Revolution: Crash Course US History #6

In which John Green teaches you about the roots of the American Revolution. The Revolution did not start on July 4, 1776. The Revolutionary War didn’t start on July 4 either. (as you remember, I’m sure, the Revolution and the Revolutionary War are not the same thing) The shooting started on April 19, 1775, at