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
15 November 2019
In today’s bulletin: America and Seoul talk peace but differences remain; Hong Kong slips into recession for the first time in a decade; a crucial by-election in Malaysia; Jakarta bans e-scooters; the most beautiful city in Asia and more.
SEOUL, WASHINGTON AND A RUPTURED INTEL-SHARING PACT
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper’s discussions with South Korea’s defence chiefs in Seoul today turned the spotlight on the changing nature of this alliance. At the meetings, Washington urged Seoul to pay more for US troops stationed in the country, review the joint military drills they’ve been doing and prevent an intelligence-sharing pact between South Korea and Japan from lapsing – on Nov 23. Will Seoul listen?
Read more:
A $5b bill and Japan tensions in focus as US defence heads visit South Korea
Japan wants ‘sensible response’ from South Korea over intelligence pact
HONG KONG SLIPS INTO RECESSION
The city facing protests, since June, has slipped into recession for the first time in a decade, government data confirmed. The US-China trade war also contributed. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Justice Minister Teresa Cheng fell as she was heckled by a crowd of pro-democracy protesters in London. China called it an “appalling attack” and demanded protection for her.
Also read:
Hong Kong dismisses curfew rumours as Chinese President Xi Jinping stresses need to restore order
As recession takes hold, Hong Kong banks worry about risk of easier mortgage rules
HOPE, FROM WASHINGTON, ON US-CHINA TRADE WAR
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow shared his optimism about a trade deal with China. “We’re getting close,” he told an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. “The mood music is pretty good, and that has not always been so in these things.” But he didn’t say when it could happen.
Don’t miss:
US-China Trade War: Will it be a deal?
Uncertainty persists despite Trump’s comments that US and China close to trade deal
China and the US: Deep-seated differences remain
CRUCIAL BY-ELECTION IN JOHOR
Residents of Tanjung Piai, in Johor, close to the Malaysia-Singapore border, are due to pick a new MP on Saturday. And all eyes will be watching to see how the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition performs. The seat is held by an Umno candidate, who is confident of holding on to it.
Catch up:
Johor by-election a test for Umno-PAS alliance
JAKARTA TO BAN E-SCOOTERS, AFTER SINGAPORE
Jakarta’s transportation agency has decided to ban e-scooters on pavements, pedestrian bridges and roads, after two people died in accidents. Electric scooters were banned from footpaths in Singaporeearlier this month, and those flouting rules can be fined.
Find out more:
Will footpath ban spell the end of e-scooters in Singapore?
LTA warns against turning e-scooters into mobility aids
IN OTHER NEWS
RUSSIAN MISSILES FOR INDIA: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will deliver S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India that New Delhi bought last year, despite US objections and a warning that it could invite sanctions. India has said it needs the weapons to build its defences against China.
AUSTRALIA BRACES FOR BUSH-FIRE THREAT: Australia braced itself for strong winds that could whip up bush fires in two states over the weekend and add to a toll of more than 270 homes destroyed and a million hectares of land ravaged during the past week. The country’s weather bureau warned that winds and lightning strikes increase the threat to communities across two states on the country’s east coast, which have been ravaged by fire since last Friday.
SINGAPORE IS ASIA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY: The Republic has been named the 11th most beautiful city in the world and the best in Asia, in a list of 50 cities compiled by Canada-based online travel agency Flight Network. Topping the list is Paris, with New York and London in second and third place.
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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