David Brennan
Senior Reporter
David Brennan is currently a Senior Reporter for Newsweek covering world politics and current affairs. Prior to joining Newsweek in early 2018, he reported on British politics and global current affairs as a staff writer at International Business Times. He has also held reporting roles at a selection of trade publications covering the healthcare, transport and property industries. Originally from London, David graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2012 where he studied history. You can contact him at d.brennan@newsweek.com.
China Reportedly Takes Control of Mask Production After Complaints
The international community is heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturers for personal protective equipment, but some supplies arriving from China have been faulty.
Russia Coronavirus Cases Overtake China
Russia now has the ninth highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the world, with 794 having died from the pandemic so far.
Why the Armenian Genocide Remains Unrecognized by the U.S.
The House and Senate passed non-binding resolutions recognizing the 20th-century atrocity as a genocide, but the White House did not follow suit.
Iran Commander Claims Forces Were Ready to Hit 400 U.S. Targets in January
Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh made the remarks amid a fresh bout of saber-rattling between Tehran and Washington over the Persian Gulf.
Anti-Trump Protesters Dump 'Body Bags' Outside President's D.C. Hotel
Thursday's protest was organized by a progressive group angry at the president's alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
China Ambassador Rails Against 'Insolence' of Coronavirus Critics
Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the U.K., insisted that China's response to COVID-19 was timely and Beijing had provided the world with a "strong line of defense" against the coronavirus.
Iran Vows to Destroy Any Threatening U.S. Forces in the Persian Gulf
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had ordered U.S. forces to "shoot down and destroy" any Iranian ships harassing U.S. vessels, following a confrontation last week.
U.S. Scientists Not Allowed Into China to Investigate Coronavirus: Pompeo
Pompeo has been among the administration's most vociferous China critics, and has fallen in line behind President Donald Trump in blaming Beijing for the COVID-19 pandemic.
China Says Missouri Coronavirus Lawsuit Is 'Nothing Short of Absurdity'
Eric Schmitt, Missouri's Republican attorney general, issued a statement Tuesday saying China must be "held accountable" for allegedly mishandling the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
'China's Worst Nightmare': Why Kim Jong Un's Health is a New Headache
Reports of Kim's deteriorating health will be unwelcome to the Chinese president, who is already grappling with diplomatic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Low Oil Prices Could Stretch Into May, Analysts Say Following Collapse
U.S. oil prices went negative on Monday for the first time in history, as the market battled with a coronavirus-driven lack of demand, over-supply and limited storage options.
Kim Jong Un's Reported Health Problems Push Sister Kim Yo Jong Into Focus
The 31-year-old has risen rapidly through the ranks of the secretive regime to become a trusted lieutenant to her dictator older brother.
Organ Harvesting Campaigners Condemn UN Appointment of Chinese Official
The independent London-based China Tribunal said the appointment of Jiang Duan to the UNHRC Consultative Group risks "complicity" with Beijing's human rights abuses.
Navy Condemns 'Unsafe and Unprofessional' Russian Pilots Over Interceptions
A Russian fighter flew within 25 feet of a U.S. surveillance aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday, forcing the pilots to descend to a lower altitude.
U.S. Oil Prices Drop to Lowest in Two Decades as Crude Storage Fills Up
On Monday, prices on the May contract for West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to their lowest point since March 1999.
Wuhan Doctor Who First Raised Coronavirus Alarm Defends China's Secrecy
Zhang Jixian told a state-backed television channel that she did not expect the COVID-19 outbreak to be so infectious and to have mutated into a crippling pandemic.
Iran Minister Praises Country's Nursers, Shares Photo of Brazilian Worker
Saeed Namaki praised Iranian medical workers for their attitude toward the pandemic, noting that in other countries medics have protested about the lack of protective equipment.
China Says Jump in Wuhan Death Toll Is Due to Statistical Verification
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Friday that the regime in Beijing does not allow cover ups.
State Department Calls on China to Speed up Coronavirus Equipment Exports
After a slew of complaints China moved last week to introduce new quality control measures on coronavirus medical equipment, which have reportedly slowed down exports.
Biden Will Have to Win Back Cuba's Trust to Revive Ties: Ex-Diplomat
Biden has been critical of Trump's tough line on Cuba, but the regime's malign activities, U.S. domestic opposition and three years of renewed antipathy will be obstacles to any detente.
China Dismisses U.S. Suggestion It Is Conducting Secret Nuclear Tests
The State Department report detailed activity at China's Lop Nur site where preparations announced possible secret underground tests.
Highest Ranking North Korean Defector Wins Seat in South Korea Election
Thae Yong Ho abandoned his post as deputy ambassador in London after becoming aware of the "gruesome realities" of life in the North.
China Shrugs Off Report It Delayed Pandemic Announcement, Backs WHO
The report alleges President Xi Jinping and senior officials delayed informing the country about the severity of the coronavirus outbreak for six days, allowing millions to travel.
Who Funds the World Health Organization? Trump Freeze Means Budget Hole
President Donald Trump said Tuesday the U.S. would temporarily freeze its contributions to the WHO while investigating alleged mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic.
China Would Consider Debt Relief for Africa Over Coronavirus
African nations owe China, its banks and corporations some $143 billion, but are facing a recession due to the pandemic.
North Korea Fires Suspected Cruise Missiles for First Time Since 2017
The rogue state has maintained regular weapons tests this year, despite concerns over coronavirus and ongoing talks with the U.S.
Coronavirus Leaves Foreign Workers in the Gulf Stranded, Advocates Warn
Human rights groups have warned that poor workers in the Gulf cannot properly practise social distancing due to their poor living and working conditions.
Up to 150 Saudi Royals Infected With Coronavirus: Report
There have now been 2,932 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the kingdom, with 41 deaths and 631 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Saudi-Russia Oil War Deal Takes Shape, but Market Still Faces Coronavirus
Russia and OPEC representatives will meet Thursday following reports that a deal to end the price war is near.
Russia Says U.S. 'Unwillingness' Is Threatening Major Nuclear Weapons Deal
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also said that the coronavirus pandemic had disrupted discussions over the New START treaty.
