Sen. Andrew Brenner of Ohio State (bottom right) was exposed while driving while a Zoom meeting to discuss the ban on distracted driving US media reported that on May 7, Ohio Senator Andrew Brenner was exposed to an unfavorable situation, he was driving and discussing the bill prohibiting distraction while driving the state. The senator used fake backgrounds (indoor furniture) for online Zoom meetings with other congressmen, discussing passing a new bill banning distracting driving, such as watching videos or texting. Video calling. At the beginning of the meeting, the car was parked, but the senator turned on the backdrop pretending to be at home, then fastened his seat belt and drove away somewhere. The funny thing is Senator Brenner thinks his fake backdrop covers all meeting attendees. Explaining to the press, he still insists that making a video call is no different than making a phone call. “During video calls, I don’t pay attention to video. It felt like a regular phone call to me, ”he told NBC media. In the very short video below, you can see him looking at the screen many times, like you look at your phone while texting. This is considered distracting driving everywhere else, not just Ohio. Research has shown that checking a phone while driving causes distraction in 4.6 seconds. Things can go bad in such a short time frame.

Ms. Catherine DEROCHE, Chairman of the Committee of Social Affairs of the French Senate, is also the Chairman of the Franco-Vietnam Friendship Senate Group in the Senate.

Reporter: The new Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, used to be the leader of a locality with an important position in Vietnam economically. In your opinion, what are the advantages for the development of cooperation between the two countries?

Ms. Catherine DEROCHE: I believe that, when selected, Mr. Pham Minh Chinh has the necessary strengths. Local potential and wealth is an important spearhead. With deep economic knowledge and understanding of localities, he will be a good middleman for the cooperation relationship between localities of Vietnam and France. Currently, there are many localities in Vietnam having cooperation relations with localities in France.

Reporter: How do you evaluate the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, especially the role of Vietnam in the French strategy in the Indo-Pacific region?

Ms. Catherine DEROCHE: Vietnam plays an important role in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is also a strategically important region for France. France wants to consolidate a foothold in this region. Vietnam is an important partner in our strategy here.

We aim to ensure peace and stability in the region, while at the same time guarantee freedom of navigation, respect for international law. With its increasingly important role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its pace of development, it is undeniable that Vietnam is a particularly important partner of France in this region.

Reporter: How do you assess Vietnam’s achievements in recent years, especially its success in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ms. Catherine DEROCHE: For the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam is an example because Vietnam has successfully implemented a strategic strategy since the outbreak of the epidemic, which has been recognized by international organizations. This was indeed an admiration but also a great surprise. How has a country like Vietnam overcome the pandemic, unlike many other countries. To date, only a few thousand viral infections have been recorded, with few deaths. The vaccination campaign has also been implemented very quickly. I think this is a very remarkable management approach.

Meanwhile, the slow, slow awareness of the epidemic, the slow implementation of the bureaucracy made us face problems with masks, testing, the vaccination campaign started but late. France as well as other European countries did not adopt a suitable strategy. In France, we have never been able to isolate the infected person, then proceed to trace, the decision to close the border was made too slow.

Countries like Vietnam adopt a “no virus infection” strategy, while we cannot. /.

Reporter: Would like to thank you so much!./.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (Tuesday, right) welcomes the delegation sent by Mr. Joe Biden at the airport (Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

According to the news site Multi-Dimensional (Dwnews) On April 14, the Taiwan Diplomatic Service announced on Twitter that the US delegation arrived in Taiwan on the afternoon of April 14 and was directly brought to the airport by Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography, the head of the Taiwan diplomatic mission. welcome. The Taiwanese diplomatic service also posted three photos of the scene on Twitter.

Taiwan’s Foreign Office wrote on Twitter, “the presence of the American delegates is a vote of confidence that the US has for Taiwan and the Taiwanese people who love freedom and democracy”.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (right) welcomes the delegation at the plane’s elevator

(Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

Meanwhile, Beijing is very dissatisfied. When asked questions related to the incident at a regular press conference on April 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Trieu Lap Kien said, “Thai Anh Van is just a local leader of China; China firmly opposes any form of formal exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, which is a clear and consistent Chinese policy. The Chinese side was sternly opposed to the US side about the US government’s dispatch of staff to Taiwan to operate ”.

Mr. Trieu Lap Kien also reminded the US to strictly abide by the principle of one China and three Sino-US joint statements, immediately stop any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, and handle any issues. concerns Taiwan carefully and does not send any false signals to “independent Taiwan” separatist powers to avoid causing further damage to Sino-US relations and to peace. stable and stable on the Taiwan Strait ”.

Mr. Trieu Lap Kien said at a press conference on the afternoon of April 14: China strongly opposed the US about sending staff to Taiwan (Photo: Da Dimensional).

It is known that at the request of US President Joe Biden, former Senator Chris Dodd and two former Permanent Deputy Ministers of the Foreign Ministry Richard Armitage and James Steinberg visited Taiwan on April 13. A senior US administration official declared that this was an “important signal” of America’s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

A senior official in the Joe Biden administration stated that on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the “Taiwan Relations Act” by the US and Taiwan, the US sent the “unofficial” delegation to visit Taiwan. In the past, Mr. Joe Biden Biden voted for this bill as US Senator.

The senior official said the delegation will meet with Taiwanese officials, according to “a long tradition the US administration sends unofficial high-level bipartisan delegations to Taiwan”.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (right) talks with American guests (Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

He also said that the reason these three were chosen because they are longtime friends of Taiwan and have a close personal relationship with President Joe Biden. This move sends an important signal of US commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

Just a few days earlier, the US issued new rules for US-Taiwan exchanges, further easing restrictions on US-Taiwan exchanges.

At the same time, mainland China has recently increased pressure on Taiwan, the Liaoning aircraft carrier exercises around Taiwan, and military aircraft are also constantly approaching Taiwan. Many fear that Beijing will use force against Taiwan. The US tit-for-tat, constantly sending warships through the Taiwan Strait to deter Beijing.

Before that, the Taiwan News Agency CNA quoted people familiar with this issue as saying that, in early March, the US side informed the Taiwanese government that President Joe Biden would send former Senator Chris Dodd to Taiwan to show long-term friendship. personal length with Taiwan and congratulate the 42nd anniversary of passing the “Taiwan Relations Act”. The Taiwan side welcomed Mr. Biden’s willingness to arrange a jet to take Mr. Dodd to visit Taiwan, and planned to exchange important information with Mr. Biden through this channel.

Ms. Tieu My Cam, Taiwanese representative in the US, was invited by Mr. Joe Biden to the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 (Photo: Da Afternoon).

A person familiar with the matter pointed out that the delegation will arrive in Taiwan on April 14 Taiwan time and is scheduled to visit until April 16. During that time, the delegation will meet with leader Thai Anh Van and will also meet with senior Taiwanese national security, foreign affairs and defense officials. Sources familiar with the matter also said that Taiwan is expected to continue proposing recent Chinese provocations against Taiwan; Taiwan is committed to maintaining regional stability, but at the same time hopes that the United States will continue to strengthen its support for Taiwan, including concrete progress in economic, trade, and security areas.

A source familiar with the matter said the Taiwanese side is expected to also thank Mr. Biden’s team for their recent Taiwan-friendly actions, including the publication of the latest guidelines on awarding. exchange and significantly loosen restrictions on their exchanges.

On April 14, The Guardian quoted US President Joe Biden officials as saying that the withdrawal would begin before May 1-5. These officials stressed the US sending of troops into Afghanistan to “enforce justice against those who caused the September 11, 2001 attacks, to prevent terrorists from trying to make Afghanistan a safe haven.” and that goal “was achieved a few years ago”. “We evaluate the current Afghanistan threat to the United States as manageable without the need for Washington to maintain a military presence or maintain war with the Taliban here,” one American officials stressed. On the same day, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will join the United States with the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan next September, because “we always say they I will come together and leave together ”.

US soldiers in Afghanistan Photo: Reuters.

According to the AP, the above decision also means that the US will not meet the deadline for the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan on May 1-5 under the peace agreement that the former administration of President Donald Trump had. signed with the Taliban last February. The Taliban have warned that they will resume hostile actions against foreign forces in Afghanistan if Washington does not withdraw as agreed.

In fact, although Mr. Biden once committed to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan when running for the presidency, the White House boss himself admitted that withdrawing by a deadline of May 1-5 was “very difficult”. A US official confirmed, on September 11, 2021, would be “the absolute deadline” and would not be affected by the security situation in Afghanistan, because “conditional withdrawal of troops means staying in Afghanistan forever.” far away ”. AP said that “absolute deadline” shows the determination of the US administration to end the longest war in American history. The costly and costly war in Afghanistan has left more than 2,200 US soldiers dead, 20,000 injured and costing more than $ 1 trillion.

US intelligence agencies have warned the Biden administration about the danger that the Taliban could control much of Afghanistan within the next two to three years, if Washington withdraws all troops from the southwest Asian country. Along with that, this will facilitate the rise of al-Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan. According to The Guardian, the Biden administration’s plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan immediately met with opposition from many MPs from both Democrats and Republicans. Sen. Mitch McConnell of the Republican Party said that foreign terrorists will not leave America “just because our politicians are tired of fighting them.” Mr. McConnell asked President Biden to explain to the American people “why giving up allies and withdrawing in the face of the Taliban makes America safer”. Meanwhile, according to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of the Democratic Party, the withdrawal “undermines our commitment to the Afghan people, especially Afghan women”. “I urge the Biden administration to do its best from now to September to protect progress has been made, as well as to assist our partners in forming a transitional government,” said Thuong. MP Shaheen wrote on the social networking site Twitter.

Since Washington signed a peace deal with the Taliban, the number of US troops stationed in Afghanistan has dropped from 12,000 to 2,500, according to the Pentagon. However, The New York Times quoted US officials as confirming the number of US troops currently stationed in Afghanistan was 3,500.

Newspapers World & amp; Vietnam highlights of the day:

Russia-Ukraine Ukraine: Russia won’t dare attack

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Reznikov insisted that, although Russia has been ablediving a large number of troops to the border, there will be no large-scale offensive.

According to Mr. Reznikov, Russia’s concentration of troops on the Ukrainian border is just “a show of force without intention of use,” although there will be minimal probabilities of an attack to occur.

However, Mr Reznikov stressed, the main target remains a “signal” from Russia, which suggests Moscow may attack but that it will prioritise negotiations. (TASS)

Russia ‘reveals’ reasons for marching troops to border

On April 13, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow’s large-scale military push in the West was part of exercises to assess readiness amid threats from NATO.

Speaking in a meeting with senior generals, Mr Shoigu said the ongoing exercise was a response to what he called relentless efforts by the US and NATO allies to strengthen their forces near Russia’s borders.

“Russian soldiers are ready to complete the task of protecting the security of the country,” Shoigu asserted. (AP)

Moscow warns West over Ukraine issue

On the same day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the US and EU are stepping up tensions in Ukraine by increasing military support for the country.

“We want to reiterate that NATO countries, who use the fallacy to speculate on the defense of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, should think about Kiev’s belligerent attitude, while ensuring the implementation of the Minsk Measure Package that Kiev is deliberately ignoring,” Ryabkov said.

He added that, in the worst assumption, “Kiev and its allies in the West will be fully responsible for the consequences.” (TASS)

US-Russia: What’s in the Biden-Putin radio?

During the April 13 phone call, U.S. President Joe Biden proposed to his Russian ally Vladimir Putin to hold a summit in a third country.

The White House statement stated: “During the talks, President Biden reaffirmed his goal of building a stable, predictable relationship with Russia and in line with American interests.”

At the same time, the White House boss asserted, the U.S. will act “resolutely” to protect national interests, responding to Russian actions such as cyber intrusion and election interference.

On the Ukraine issue, the U.S. President emphasized Washington’s relentless support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, President Biden proposed that the leaders of the two countries meet for a third summit in the next few months to discuss a range of issues in U.S.-Russia relations. If held, it would be the first meeting between Mr Biden and Mr Putin.

For his part, the Kremlin announced, during the talks, that the US President had told Mr Putin that Washington wanted to normalize relations and cooperation on arms control, the Iranian nuclear program, the Afghan issue and climate change.

In addition, President Putin has outlined approaches to solving politics in Ukraine and outlined approaches to solving political problems rooted in the Minsk Measures Package. (Reuters/TASS)

U.S. intelligence puts China at the top of threat list

According to the 2021 Annual Assessment of Threats report, China will continue to increase its influence while trying to undermine U.S. influence, “dividing” relations between Washington and its partners, as well as allies.

China’s promotion of power globally is a leading threat to U.S. national security, the report said.

Regarding Russia, the report said, Moscow “does not want a direct conflict” with the U.S., though it will continue its destabilizing efforts toward Ukraine.

As for North Korea, the report said, Pyongyang will likely consider whether it should resume its nuclear weapons and long-range missile tests this year, amid efforts by the Northeast Asian nation to negotiate with the new U.S. administration on its own terms. (Reuters)

American c’Official’ delegation to Taiwan

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration on April 13 sent an official delegation to Taiwan, a move seen as a “personal signal” of the President’s commitment to the island.

The delegation included Senator Chris Dodd and two former Deputy Foreign Ministers, Richard Armitage and James Steinberg.

In addition, according to a senior official in Mr. Biden’s administration, the U.S. sent the delegation as the U.S. and Taiwan celebrated the 42nd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act that Mr. Biden voted to pass as a senator.

“The dispatch of these three individuals – senior politicians, longtime friends of Taiwan and close personal ties to President Biden – sends an important signal of America’s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy,” the official said. (Reuters)

Iran-Israel Iran produces 60% uranium in response to Israel

On April 14, Iran announced next week it would begin producing uranium enriched in purity of up to 60 percent, three days after an attack that Tehran accused of being caused by Israel against a key nuclear facility in Natanz. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani explained that the decision to enrich uranium was in response to Israel’s “nuclear terrorism.”

Speaking on television, Mr Rouhani stressed: “Activate IR-6 (centrifugal machines) in Natanz on April 14, or raise the level of enrichment to 60%… to respond to malice. What (Israel) did was nuclear terrorism. What we do is legal.”

In a report sent to member countries, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said iran had informed the agency that it planned to start enriching uranium at a maximum of 60 percent. (AFP)

Israeli ship attacked, suspected Iran culprit?

The Israeli-owned Hyperion vessel was attacked off the UAE coast, according to the channel TV 12, this missile was launched from Iran.

The ship suffered minor damage. Channel TV 12 Israeli sources on the same day cited security sources as reporting that the missile had been launched by Iran.

According to the news channel, several unnamed Israeli officials accused Iran of carrying out the attack. (Al-Mayadeen)

South China Sea NATO condemns China in South China Sea

On April 13, speaking online at the Raisina Dialogue (India’s conference on geography and economics), NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that china’s rise is seen as a global issue, all countries need to pay attention to this.

The NATO secretary general said, “we must be clearly aware of the challenges that come with china’s rise.”

According to Jens Stoltenberg, China is strengthening its military strength along with economic development. The country has tripled its military spending over the past decade, now has the world’s second-largest defense budget and continues to massively invest in military modernization.

Besides, Mr. Stoltenberg asserted, NATO is an important foundation for responding to the security effects of a rising China. “NATO wants to interact closer with partners around the world, because it is the best way to protect the rules-based international order, protecting society and democracy,” Said Stoltenberg. (Business Standard)

China fires real ammunition in South China Sea

The website of China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) on April 14 posted a notice of the country’s schedule of real-life ammunition firing exercises in the South China Sea.

Accordingly, live-fire exercises in the South China Sea take place in an area limited by coordinates 23-18-007N 117-16-00E, 23-18-00N 117-24-00E, 23-10-00N 117-24-00E and 23-10-00N 117-16-00E from 0h-10h daily UTC (7h-17h Hanoi time), from April 15-20.

The above notice states that during the exercises, MSA of Shantou city banned boats from entering the above area. (THX)

Afghanistan: US, UK, NATO simultaneously schedule withdrawals

On April 13, U.S. President Joe Biden decided to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan before 9/11, exactly 20 years after the Al-Qaeda attack sparked America’s longest war.

However, according to unnamed sources, the withdrawal will be based on specific assurances on security and human rights, before formalizing the decision. The sources did not provide further details.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to announce the decision with allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels on April 14. President Biden may also announce his decision.

Following in the U.S., Britain and NATO also announced they would withdraw almost all forces from Afghanistan.

Speaking to a TV channel Ard, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer stated: “We always declare: we will go together, we will withdraw together… I support an orderly withdrawal and that’s why I think today (April 14) we (NATO) will be united on that.” (Reuters/AFP)