The US is working with allies and partners to strengthen its hand against China and the recent Quad summit was probably the most important illustration in practical terms of exactly what it was trying to achieve, a Biden administration official has said on the eve of a crucial meeting with top Chinese foreign policy officials. The relations between the US and China are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the communist giant s aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang region.
Quad bloc to provide added support backing up Australian aid in PNG17/03/2021|5min
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has touted the collaborative initiative launched after the meeting of the Quad bloc which will see vaccines distributed among Pacific island nations.
The meeting of the Quad bloc included Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Joe Biden.
Australia committed to distributing a billion COVID-19 vaccines across the Indo-Pacific in a deal struck at The Quad leaders meeting.
Ms Payne said the commitment involved a $100 million contribution from Australian on top of the $500 million contribution announced last year for the COVAX facility.
Posted : 2021-03-17 22:03
Updated : 2021-03-18 18:20
Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, right, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken bump elbows ahead of their talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
By Kang Seung-woo
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated his bashing of China for its use of coercion and aggression on the international stage during his meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in Seoul, Wednesday.
Blinken, along with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, arrived here earlier in the day for a so-called two-plus-two ministerial meeting with Chung and Defense Minister Suh Wook as well as their respective face-to-face meetings following their three-day visit to Japan.
Top oâ the morning! World leaders wish Ireland Happy St. Patrickâs Day
By Chris Williams
World Leaders Wish Ireland a Happy St Patrickâs Day
World leaders issued messages to mark St Patrickâs Day on March 17, including US President Joe Biden and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. (Credit: Irish Foreign Ministry via Storyful)
World leaders were seeing green as they wished Ireland a happy St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday.
The Irish Foreign Ministry released a video featuring well-wishes from heads of state from various countries. I wish you all the best in this St. Patrick’s Day, President Joe Biden said.
Iceland will allow vaccinated tourists
From Sharon Braithwaite in Pisa, Italy
Iceland will open its borders to vaccinated visitors, including those from non-Schengen countries, the government said Tuesday in a statement.
The government announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine
Until now, this exemption has only applied to those presenting certificates from the EU/EEA Area but will now apply equally to everyone who can provide proof of a full vaccination with a vaccine that has been certified for use by the European Medical Agency as well as requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist of Iceland and Icelandic regulations. Certificates from the World Health Organization (WHO) are also accepted for vaccines the WHO has validated.