Biden plans shift in arms export policy to favor human rights — sources
WASHINGTON — US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s administration is preparing an overhaul of arms export policy to increase the emphasis on human rights, a departure from former President Donald J. Trump’s prioritization of economic benefits to US defense contractors, four people familiar with the initiative said.
Sydney suffers worst pandemic day as lockdown nears six weeks
SYDNEY — Sydney reported its worst day of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Thursday with five deaths and a record rise in locally acquired infections as a weeks-long hard lockdown is struggling to contain the highly contagious Delta strain of the coronavirus.
Global COVID-19 cases surpass 200M as Delta variant spreads
Coronavirus cases worldwide surpassed 200 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as the more-infectious Delta variant threatens areas with low vaccination rates...
Singapore’s Lee urges China, US to stem deteriorating ties
SINGAPORE Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong again warned the US and China to deescalate tensions, saying both powers presumed incorrectly they would win in any conflict.
Delta’s spread seen pushing herd immunity threshold above 80%
THE SPREAD of the Delta coronavirus variant has pushed the threshold for herd immunity to well over 80% and potentially approaching 90%, according to an Infectious Diseases Society of America briefing on Tuesday.
New York becomes first US city to order COVID vaccines for restaurants, gyms
NEW YORK — New York City will become the first major US city to require proof of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination at restaurants, gyms, and other businesses, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday, as the nation grapples with the rapidly spreading Delta variant.
Harris to push back on China’s South China Sea claims during Asia trip
WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala D. Harris will focus on defending international rules in the South China Sea, strengthening US regional leadership and expanding security cooperation during her trip to Vietnam and Singapore this month, a senior White House official told Reuters.
Chilean study shows variations in success of COVID-19 vaccines
SANTIAGO — Sinovac’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was 58.5% effective in preventing symptomatic illness among millions of Chileans who received it between February and July, the Chilean health authorities said on Tuesday, while Pfizer’s COVID-19 shot was 87.7% effective and AstraZeneca’s was 68.7% effective.
US, Indonesia commit to South China Sea defense in ‘strategic dialogue’
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Tuesday the launch of a “strategic dialogue” with Indonesia, and Washington said the two countries committed to working together on issues that include defending freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Southeast Asia’s factory powerhouses hit by vaccination woes, Delta
BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR — Fresh outbreaks of the Delta coronavirus variant in Southeast Asia have crippled its factory sector, disrupting global supplies of goods such...
When the chips are down: global shortage to keep crimping carmakers
LONDON — BMW and Stellantis became the latest major carmakers to warn on Tuesday that the global semiconductor chip shortage that has bedeviled the industry this...
Why EU is paying more for new COVID shots
BRUSSELS — The European Union (EU) has agreed to pay a premium on new orders of COVID-19 vaccines because it is requiring tougher terms to be met, European officials said, as the bloc tries to protect supplies after a rocky start to its vaccination campaign.
