Russia suspected of assisting Iran in seizing British oil tanker; Cambodia denies allowing China to set up naval base

British media quoted an anonymous security source as saying that the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the British Signals Intelligence Agency (GCHQ) are investigating the suspicion that Russian and Iranian agents collaborated to fake the global positioning system (GPS) signal, causing the Stena Impero to enter Tehran's waters on July 19.

"Russia has GPS spoofing technology and may have helped Iran in the seizure," the Mirror quoted a source as saying. The Daily Express said investigators would look into whether Western spy planes in the Gulf at the time had detected any suspicious electronic warfare activity. However, neither the British nor Russian governments have commented on the reports.

China 'demands' US lift tariffs when trade talks resume

China's recent purchases of US agricultural products could be a sign that trade talks between Washington and Beijing will soon resume, Chinese state media said, adding that removing all US tariffs on Chinese goods remains Beijing's top priority.

Both the US and China have recently shown a willingness to resume negotiations. On July 9, Washington announced that it would exempt 110 Chinese products from import tariffs – from medical devices to critical electronics.

Meanwhile, some Chinese companies that want to buy US agricultural products such as soybeans are also subject to tax exemptions.

Cambodia denies accusations of allowing China to set up a naval base

The wharf area of ​​Ream base. Photo:RCN.

On July 22, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Chhum Socheat called the information that "Cambodia secretly signed an agreement allowing China to build a military base in the country" aimed at undermining security and peace in Cambodia as well as in the region, according to VOV.

Mr. Chhum Socheat affirmed: The Cambodian Ministry of Defense has no secret agreement allowing the Chinese military to use Cambodian territory as a military base. It is ironic that the US press fabricated information that foreign countries are building military bases in Cambodia. This news is aimed at undermining security and peace in Cambodia and in the region.

Many Government members resign before the UK has a new Prime Minister

Alan Duncan, Secretary of State for Europe and Americas at the British Foreign Office, has announced his resignation. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

As the Conservative Party prepares to announce the results of the election for a new leader, in which former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is expected to win against current Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, many British government officials have decided to resign, clearly showing their disagreement with the country's future leader.

On July 22, Mr. Alan Duncan - Secretary of State for Europe and Americas at the British Foreign Office announced his decision to resign, becoming the second government official to leave his post after Ms. Margot James - Secretary of State for Small Businesses, Consumers and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture - who resigned last week.

Previously, on July 21, British Finance Minister Philip Hammond announced that he would resign if Boris Johnson became British Prime Minister, due to opposing views on the Brexit issue.

In addition to Mr. Hammond, several other members of the British Cabinet, including Justice Minister David Gauke, are also expected to announce their resignations when the British Prime Minister's Office changes hands.

New Zealand tightens gun laws after series of attacks

A gun and ammunition store in the suburbs of Christchurch, New Zealand on March 18, 2019. Photo: THX/TTXVN

New Zealand announced plans on July 22 to implement a national firearms registry, an effort to tighten gun laws after a series of attacks on two mosques in the southern city of Christchurch in March that left more than 50 people dead.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said regulations around who can be licensed to carry weapons will also be tightened to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands.

In addition to the ban on foreign gun sales, the new reform law also prohibits convicted drug offenders, gang members or criminals from being granted access to firearms.

New Zealand also launched a national gun buyback scheme at 250 collection events this month, allowing people to hand in their weapons before a six-month amnesty period expires.