US President Joe Biden urged people to not panic as he announced an updated three-pronged plan to fight an expected rise in COVID-19 cases after the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant. He also pleaded with the millions of unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Biden announces 3-prolonged plan as Omicron drives COVID-19 spike

The US says it is ready for talks with Russia amid growing tensions over Ukraine invasion fears. However, it makes it clear that any dialogue must be based on reciprocity.

The US says it is ready to engage in diplomacy as tensions fume with Russia over Ukraine

As tensions continue to escalate between Taiwan and China, reports have now surfaced saying that the United States and Japan are designing a new joint military strategy for Taiwan against possible attacks coming from China.

Reports: US & Japan planning 'Attack Base' in Taiwan against possible attacks from China

President Vladimir Putin is seeking security guarantees from the West in exchange for pulling back from Ukraine. Will Joe Biden agree to halt NATO's eastward expansion? Or will he push ahead with sanctions? Palki Shama tells you.

Gravitas: Putin's ultimatum for Joe Biden

In a move to push back against china's Uyghur abuse, US President Joe Biden has signed a law virtually banning all imports from the Chinese region of Xinjiang.

Joe Biden signs the 'Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act' to ban all imports from China's Xinjiang

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US chipmaker Intel has apologized in china after its letter telling suppliers, not to source products or labour from the Xinjiang region triggered a backlash.

Intel apologises in China after telling suppliers not to source products from the Xinjiang region

United States prepares for talks with Russia amid escalating tensions in Ukraine

A former US police officer Kim Potter has been found guilty of manslaughter in killing of a young African-American man Daunte Wright. Potter said she mistook her gun for her taser during a routine traffic stop.

US: Former police officer Kim Potter found guilty of murdering African-American man

As tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, Japan and US have reportedly drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation in case of emergency.<o:p></o:p>

According to local reports from Japan’s Kyodo news agency, American and Japanese armed forces are coming together to get ready for any possible escalation in Taiwan, caused by China.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-escalating-chinese-threats-japan-passes-a-record-defence-budget-439462">Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget</a>&nbsp;</o:p>

As per the reported plan, the US marine corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei island chain, which will stretch from Kyushu to Taiwan. American troops will be deployed at these temporary bases.<o:p></o:p>

Japanese forces will be responsible for providing supplies of ammunition, fuel and more. They will also help in providing logistical support.<o:p></o:p>

This will be the initial stage in case of a Taiwan emergency. China has been testing the waters in Taiwan as Beijing claims that Taiwan (which is democratically governed) is China's 'sacred' territory. Beijing has been increasing its diplomatic, psychological and military pressure in Taiwan.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-china-could-be-driving-up-global-inflation-439433">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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Early in December, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had claimed that in case of a Taiwan emergency, US and Japan will not just stand by and watch. <o:p></o:p>

Taiwan has repeatedly claimed that the island nation wants peace, but has also asserted that it will not stand by and watch China attack. Taiwan officials have claimed that the nation will defend itself, if needed.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, as the tensions increase in the area, Japan has approved defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion). This is the tenth year where the budget has seen an increase in the yearly defence spending, and has also crossed the usual limit of one per cent of GDP that the country has mainly maintained for decades.

<o:p>(Inputs from agencies)</o:p>

As tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, Japan and US have reportedly drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation in case of emergency. According to local reports from Japan’s Kyodo news agency, American and Japanese armed forces are coming together to get ready for any possible escalation in Taiwan, caused by China.

As tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, Japan and US have reportedly drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation in case of emergency. According to local reports from Japan’s Kyodo news agency, American and Japanese armed forces are coming together to get ready for any possible escalation in Taiwan, caused by China. Also read | Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget As per the reported plan, the US marine corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei island chain, which will stretch from Kyushu to Taiwan. American troops will be deployed at these temporary bases. Japanese forces will be responsible for providing supplies of ammunition, fuel and more. They will also help in providing logistical support. This will be the initial stage in case of a Taiwan emergency. China has been testing the waters in Taiwan as Beijing claims that Taiwan (which is democratically governed) is China's 'sacred' territory. Beijing has been increasing its diplomatic, psychological and military pressure in Taiwan. WATCH | Early in December, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had claimed that in case of a Taiwan emergency, US and Japan will not just stand by and watch. Taiwan has repeatedly claimed that the island nation wants peace, but has also asserted that it will not stand by and watch China attack. Taiwan officials have claimed that the nation will defend itself, if needed. Meanwhile, as the tensions increase in the area, Japan has approved defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion). This is the tenth year where the budget has seen an increase in the yearly defence spending, and has also crossed the usual limit of one per cent of GDP that the country has mainly maintained for decades. (Inputs from agencies)

Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report

US says it is ready for talks with Russia amid growing tensions over Ukraine

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The US computer chip maker, Intel is facing a backlash from China after telling its suppliers not to source products or labour from the region of Xinjiang. Intel said it had been “required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services” from Xinjiang in accordance with restrictions imposed by “multiple governments”.

US computer chip maker, Intel faces backlash from China

The US has authorized Pfizer's anti-COVID pill. It has been authorized for people aged 12 and above who are at risk. Now the steps come as the country witnesses a surge in COVID cases.

US authorizes Pfizer's anti-COVID pill

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer.

The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-just-beginning-and-americans-are-already-tired-439140" hreflang="en">Omicron is just beginning and Americans are already tired</a>

Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens have set maximum kits per customer to six and four, respectively.

Walgreens made the decision after "incredible demand for at-home rapid testing" stretched its inventory, according to a company press release.

As part of its plan, the company said it will "work diligently" with suppliers to get more samples on its shelves, although some stores may be affected by the temporary shortage.

"We ask that our customers please show patience and understanding as together, we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic environment," said Walgreen President John Standley in the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boosters-cannot-be-seen-as-a-ticket-to-go-ahead-says-who-chief-tedros-amid-omicron-threat-439113" hreflang="en">Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat</a>

The shortage of rapid at-home tests has forced Americans to line up across the nation -- sometimes for hours -- to get a test at a clinic or mobile testing site.

One centre near the capital, Washington said the number of tests it is performing daily has quadrupled in the last two weeks.

Health officials report that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is the principal coronavirus strain in the United States, contributing to 73.2 per cent of new cases in the week ending December 18.

Watch |&nbsp;'Maybe one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden appreciates Trump on getting booster shot

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maybe-one-of-the-few-things-he-and-i-agree-on-biden-appreciates-trump-on-getting-booster-shot-439063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would purchase 500 million rapid tests. However, these additional tests aren't expected to be available until January.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer.

As a result of the return to travel during the holiday season and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, Americans were scrambling Wednesday to find at-home Covid diagnostic kits, causing multiple major distributors to restrict the number of kits available per customer. The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform. Also read | Omicron is just beginning and Americans are already tired Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens have set maximum kits per customer to six and four, respectively. Walgreens made the decision after "incredible demand for at-home rapid testing" stretched its inventory, according to a company press release. As part of its plan, the company said it will "work diligently" with suppliers to get more samples on its shelves, although some stores may be affected by the temporary shortage. "We ask that our customers please show patience and understanding as together, we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic environment," said Walgreen President John Standley in the statement. Also read | Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat The shortage of rapid at-home tests has forced Americans to line up across the nation -- sometimes for hours -- to get a test at a clinic or mobile testing site. One centre near the capital, Washington said the number of tests it is performing daily has quadrupled in the last two weeks. Health officials report that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is the principal coronavirus strain in the United States, contributing to 73.2 per cent of new cases in the week ending December 18. Watch | 'Maybe one of the few things he and I agree on,' Biden appreciates Trump on getting booster shot Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would purchase 500 million rapid tests. However, these additional tests aren't expected to be available until January. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase

The United States has authorised Pfizer's anti-covid pill for people aged 12 or above who are at high risk, it's called Paxlovid; the pill comprises of two types of tablets.

US approves Pfizer's anti-covid pill for 12 years of age and above

Russian Foreign Minister said he expects negotiations with the US to begin in January next year. Watch this report for more.

Russia agrees to begin security talks with the US next year amid rising tensions over Ukraine

Amid Israel's opposition to revive the nuclear deal with Iran. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Israel's prime minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem. Sullivan's visit to Israel comes at a critical time as negotiations are ongoing to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran.

US NSA Jake Sullivan meets PM Naftali Bennett amid slow-moving Iran Nuclear deal talks

Russian Foreign Minister said he expected negotiations with US to begin in January next year. Watch this report for more.

Russian Foreign Minister to hold talks with United States next year

Despite the virus care and a spike in infections, New Yorkers are gearing up for a cheerful celebration as the city has sprinkled decorations across the streets.

New York welcomes the festive season as the city has sprinkled decorations across the streets

United States authorizes Pfizer's anti-COVID pill,

Russia agrees to begin security talks with United States

US NSA Jake Sullivan calls for joint strategy between US & Israel as he meets PM Naftali Bennett

A person identified as an American diplomat has been accused of providing a fake passport to a Syrian national. He has now been arrested. As per reports by Turkey's news agency, the man was detained at Istanbul Airport on November 11. Later, he was formally arrested for selling a forged passport for $10,000.&nbsp;

A state department spokesperson, in a statement, said, "We are aware of the detention of a U.S. citizen in Turkey. The individual is not a US diplomat. We are providing appropriate consular services."

The Syrian was detained and questioned. However, he was released later after there were proceedings for forging the documents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boycott-intel-grows-louder-in-china-for-raising-concern-over-xinjiang-forced-labour-439207">Also read |&nbsp;‘Boycott Intel’ grows louder in China for raising concern over Xinjiang forced labour</a>

The American man has been identified as having the initials D.J.K. and working at the US embassy in Beirut. The Syrian was trying to fly to Germany using the passport in D.J.K.'s name.

The US embassy in Ankara has not made any comments so far. There was also no response from the US embassy in Beirut.

After an examination of the security camera, it was concluded that D.J.K. handed over the passport to the Syrian national at the airport and the two also exchanged clothes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A person identified as an American diplomat has been accused of providing a fake passport to a Syrian national. He has now been arrested. As per reports by Turkey's news agency, the man was detained at Istanbul Airport on November 11.

A person identified as an American diplomat has been accused of providing a fake passport to a Syrian national. He has now been arrested. As per reports by Turkey's news agency, the man was detained at Istanbul Airport on November 11. Later, he was formally arrested for selling a forged passport for $10,000. A state department spokesperson, in a statement, said, "We are aware of the detention of a U.S. citizen in Turkey. The individual is not a US diplomat. We are providing appropriate consular services." The Syrian was detained and questioned. However, he was released later after there were proceedings for forging the documents. Also read | ‘Boycott Intel’ grows louder in China for raising concern over Xinjiang forced labour The American man has been identified as having the initials D.J.K. and working at the US embassy in Beirut. The Syrian was trying to fly to Germany using the passport in D.J.K.'s name. The US embassy in Ankara has not made any comments so far. There was also no response from the US embassy in Beirut. After an examination of the security camera, it was concluded that D.J.K. handed over the passport to the Syrian national at the airport and the two also exchanged clothes. (With inputs from agencies)

US diplomat arrested for allegedly selling fake passport to Syrian national in Turkey

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