Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
20 November 2019
In today’s bulletin: The US Senate passed a bill in support of the HK protesters; Malaysia unveils a plan for an economic corridor; climate change will cost US$7.9 trillion by 2050; and more.
US SENATE PASSES BILL BACKING HONG KONG PROTESTERS
The Senate unanimously passed a Bill in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, setting up diplomatic and economic sanctions if Washington deems Beijing to have crossed the line in eroding Hong Kong’s autonomy. The Bill may present President Donald Trump with a dilemma: He has to choose between drawing China’s wrath by signing it into law and risking blowback from a remarkably bipartisan Congress by vetoing it.
The passage of the law comes amid escalating clashes between protesters and police, including an ongoing stand-off at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Read what’s next:
Options narrow for last Hong Kong campus protesters as arrests take a toll
Carrie Lam wants peaceful end to PolyU stand-off
Upcoming election the first since protests began
Hong Kong campus holdouts desperately seek escape routes
Asia markets sink as US Senate’s Hong Kong bill adds to trade jitters
China condemns US Senate measure, summons top US diplomat
KUALA LUMPUR’S ECONOMIC CORRIDOR PLAN RAISES HOPES FOR HSR REVIVAL
The Malaysian government is planning a new development blueprint to tap unrealised potential in the south-west of Peninsular Malaysia – raising hopes that the government might be considering resuming the postponed high-speed rail (HSR) project with Singapore.
Read more:
Malaysia to create a new economic corridor in Johor
Catch up on the RTS:
RTS linking Johor Baru to Singapore to proceed
Singapore, KL need to sign 3 pacts on RTS by end-April
KL says an LRT system would help reduce costs of rail link
LRT for JB-Singapore line may prove more costly in long run
‘ASIAN CENTURY’ SHOULD SEE GREATER MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
The growing importance of Asia in the world economy should not be a cause for worry, as Asia needs diverse partners and access to global markets to continue to prosper, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said during a fireside chat with business leaders in Mexico.
Read more:
Progress of US-China trade deal likely to drive sentiment this week
Japan exports post worst fall in 3 years as shipments to US, China slide
Structural reforms can counter slower growth in Asia: Apec report
Also read:
Temasek looks to expand US investments regardless of trade war
RCEP provides an opportunity to shape the region
CLIMATE IMPACT TO COST US$7.9 TRILLION BY 2050
The Economist measured the preparedness of the world’s 82 largest economies and found that based on current trends the fallout of warming temperatures would shave off three per cent of global GDP by 2050, costing the planet US7.9 trillion (S$10.7 trillion).
See our interactives:
Climate of Change – ST special reports
Singapore Underwater – ST VR project
See also:
Asset owners key to a sustainable future in Asia
Airbus says zero-carbon regional jet may arrive as soon as 2030
Investors step up pressure on global energy watchdog over climate change
ANYONE CAN BE MALAYSIA’S PM, SAYS ANWAR
Anwar Ibrahim said anyone can try to become prime minister by going through the usual channels, rather than by holding secret meetings. “The economy must be developed and rakyat issues must be addressed. If we don’t learn from our terrible defeat in the Tanjung Piai by-election, we will be in trouble,” he said.
Must read:
Sarawak PKR leaders, division chiefs in Kuala Lumpur for a ‘revolt’
Malaysia abuzz as PKR’s Azmin Ali meets 22 Umno lawmakers
PM Mahathir says Tanjung Piai defeat much worse than expected
Pakatan leaders say signal from voters must be taken seriously after Tanjung Piai defeat
IN OTHER NEWS
Washington: White House expert Alexander Vindman tells impeachment hearing that Trump made improper ‘demand’ of Ukraine.
Two Australian billionaires have invested tens of millions of dollars to jumpstart a megaproject to supply solar power from northern Australia to Singapore via the world’s longest subsea high voltage cable.
As the Pope begins his tour of Asia in Thailand, the Japanese have turned to AI to help with writing a theme song.
These insights are produced by The Straits Times, the official media partner for the Asia House Global Trade Dialogue, which took place in Singapore on 7 November 2019.
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