Italy has given permission for 180 migrants rescued from the Mediterranean to disembark from a charity-run ship. The decision comes after a stand-off that lasted more than a week. The Ocean Viking, operated by rescue group SOS Méditerranée, declared a state of emergency on Friday, citing fears for the safety of both migrants and crew. Source BBC
China is trying to turn Taiwan into another Hong Kong, the island’s foreign minister warned on Tuesday as he met with a senior US official making a historic diplomatic trip. Source The Guardian
Britain and France will work “at pace” to finalise a new plan for shutting down a migrant route across the Channel, British immigration minister Chris Philp said on Tuesday. Philp said President Emmanuel Macron’s government agreed the high numbers making the illegal crossing were unacceptable. Source France24
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute has registered the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine for use. He said his daughter is among those already inoculated. Source Deutsche Welle
