China Clamps Down on ‘Zero COVID’ Protests, Loosens Some Pandemic Measures

By Lyric Li | The Washington Post (free)

Small protests against China’s strict “zero COVID” policy occurred in several cities Monday evening, as citizens defied a police crackdown and threats of reprisal, with Beijing blaming “foreign forces” even as authorities moved to vaccinate more seniors and relax some distancing measures.

More from WPR: China’s White-Suited Health Workers Symbolize Zero COVID’s Failures

As Haiti Unravels, U.S. Officials Push to Send in an Armed Foreign Force

By Natalie Kitroeff | The New York Times

Fearing a mass exodus, some Biden officials are pressing for a multinational force, but they don’t want to send U.S. troops and haven’t been able to persuade other countries to take the lead.

More from WPR: The World Can’t Afford to Ignore Haiti’s Deepening Security Crisis

U.S. Officials Say Russia Has Postponed Nuclear Weapons Talks

By Felicia Schwartz | Financial Times

U.S. officials said Russia had postponed crucial nuclear weapons talks that were due to begin Tuesday, marking a setback for the last remaining arms treaty between the powers and providing further evidence of fraying diplomatic ties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

More from WPR: Russia’s New Nuclear Doctrine: Don’t Mess With Us—But Let’s Talk

U.S. Steps Up Pressure on European Allies to Harden China Stance

By Henry Foy & Demetri Sevastopulo | Financial Times

The U.S. is pushing its European allies to take a harder stance towards Beijing as it tries to leverage its position on Ukraine to gain more support from NATO countries for its efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

More from WPR: Rising or Falling, China Is a Serious but Manageable Competitor

Arrest Sparks Violence in Mexico Border City of Nuevo Laredo

By Alfredo Peña | Associated Press (free)

Gunfire broke out across the Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo early Monday, prompting the cancellation of classes and an advisory from the U.S. Consulate to shelter in place.