China Protests Break Out as COVID Cases Surge and Lockdowns Persist

By Vivek Shankar | The New York Times (free)

Strict COVID restrictions are hurting the country’s economy and angering members of the public, who are taking to the streets. Here’s the latest on the situation.

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

Chevron to Resume Venezuela Oil Production as U.S. Eases Sanctions

By Joe Parkin Daniels & Felicia Schwartz | Financial Times (free)

The U.S. on Saturday authorized Chevron to resume oil production through its joint ventures in Venezuela, after the socialist government in Caracas and the opposition resumed political talks in Mexico City.

More from WPR: In Venezuela, Negotiating With Maduro Is the Worst Option—and the Only Hope

U.S. Effort to Arm Taiwan Faces New Challenge With Ukraine Conflict

By Gordon Lubold, Doug Cameron & Nancy A. Youssef | The Wall Sreet Journal

U.S. government and congressional officials fear the conflict in Ukraine is exacerbating a nearly $19 billion backlog of weapons bound for Taiwan, further delaying efforts to arm the island as tensions with China escalate.

Biden to Bolster Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones

By Ruby Cramer | The Washington Post

President Biden plans to sign a memorandum Monday directing U.S. agencies to strengthen their response to sexual violence in conflict zones, including in Ukraine, a senior administration official said. The administration is aiming to ensure that such crimes are given treatment equal to that of other human rights abuses.

Cuba Wins China Debt Relief, New Funds

By Marc Frank | Reuters

China has agreed to restructure Cuban debt and provide new trade and investment credits to the beleaguered Caribbean Island nation after a meeting in Peking between the two Communist countries’ leaders.