December 13, Monday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. The foreign affairs chiefs from the Group of Seven nations have expressed their “concern” about what they call China’s “coercive economic policies.” This is an apparent bid to counter China’s increasing influence through trade policies and large loans to developing nations.
2. As rescuers in the tornado-devastated US state of Kentucky face difficulties, its governor is expecting the number of deaths to climb further. Rescuers pulled 40 workers alive from a candle factory in Kentucky, one of the six Southern and Midwestern states hit by tornadoes from Friday night to Saturday.
3. The South Pacific island territory of New Caledonia has overwhelmingly voted to remain as part of France, in a referendum boycotted by the pro-independence camp. The referendum took place on Sunday, with 96.5 percent of the vote against independence and 3.5 percent in favor.