Summary:

• Taiwan’s defence ministry reported Chinese aircraft illegal entry into Taiwanese air space.
• Chinese aircraft have been committing nearly daily flyovers in the area of the South China Sea, raising red flags and escalating tensions. 
• It is alleged that the flyovers are exercises by the Chinese military to prepare for engagement against the United States.
• Beijing has maintained that the flyovers are common training practices to promote its sovereignty.
• Taiwan’s independence remains in dispute with China.
• Yesterday, Taiwan and the United States signed an historic deal to coordinate policy in the region.
• Due to Taiwan’s disputed status, the United States and many other nations do not have formal diplomatic relations.

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Eritrea to Withdraw Soldiers from Tigray Regions After Allegations of Human Rights Violations

• Following the admission by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiya Ahmed of the presence of Eritrea soldiers in Tigray regions, agreements have been made for the withdrawal of forces amidst claims of grotesque human rights violations.
• After conversations with the Eritrean government and international pressure, Mr. Ahmed announced that “The Ethiopian National Defense force will take over guarding the border areas effective immediately,” in their place. 
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• This Friday, two trains in Egypt collided on their way to Cairo, killing 32 civilians and injuring over 100. 
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• The President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, took to twitter to announce “Anyone who caused this painful accident through negligence or corruption, or anything similar, must receive a deterrent punishment without exception or delay,” 

The European Union Limits Vaccine Exports

• As the third wave of Covid-19 takes over Europe, vaccine shortages slow down the roll out of necessary preventive measures.
• After the EU summit on Thursday leaders said they would be limiting exports of the coronavirus vaccine after companies such as AstraZeneca failed to deliver doses. 
• The European Union has now been accused of vaccine nationalism by the UK and WHO due to export controls placed on vaccines within the bloc.
• Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, said “[AstraZeneca] has to catch up, has to honor the contract it has with the European member states, before it can engage again in exporting vaccines.”

Bessemer, Alabama May Become Home to Amazon’s First Unionised Facility 

• The fight to unionize Amazon’s fulfillment centre in Bessemer, Alabama continues the majority of its 5,800 workers have not yet voted.
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• Tyler Hamilton, a warehouse worker from Minnesota, said “Ultimately, I think it is inevitable that Amazon warehouses — maybe not all of them, but I’m sure a good number of them — will become unionized.”