Russian Interference in 2020 Included Influencing Trump Associates, Report Says; China punished; Britain seeks to join the fight

Russian Interference in 2020 Included Influencing Trump Associates, Report Says
The assessment was the intelligence community’s most comprehensive look at foreign efforts to interfere in the election.

U.S. Punishes 24 Chinese Officials on Eve of First Talks Under Biden
Setting a confrontational tone ahead of meetings in Alaska, the United States punished Chinese officials involved in eroding democracy in Hong Kong. 

Wang Chen, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress, is the most senior Chinese official targeted by the U.S. sanctions so far.Credit...Leo Ramirez/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Johnson Pins U.K. Future on U.S. Ties, as European Bonds Loosen
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s blueprint for Britain’s economic, security and diplomatic future is a tighter embrace of Washington, with policies aligning London with President Biden.

“In all our endeavors, the United States will be our greatest ally and a uniquely close partner in defense, intelligence and security,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain said.Credit...Pool photo by Geoff Pugh