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☆ Rodrigo Duterte wants to make a comeback in the Philippines. What could go wrong?
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

But major cracks appeared in January, when Rodrigo Duterte called Marcos a “drug addict” and threatened that the president could be removed from power. Months later, Vice President Duterte-Carpio resigned as education secretary, a departure seen by analysts as a sign that the relationship between the country’s top leaders was beyond repair. “And when they get there, I will be the president of hell.”Marcos insisted he thought he and the vice president were friends. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte attend an education-related event in Manila on January 25, 2024. Despite all the controversies and alleged links to extrajudicial killings and suspected criminals, Duterte has told Davao voters that a vote for him is a vote for order.

Persons: Rodrigo Duterte, Donald Trump’s, Sara Duterte, Carpio, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, –, Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte’s, Richard Heydarian, ”, Duterte, “, ” Duterte, Duterte's, Jes Aznar, Sebastian Duterte, Paolo Duterte –, Heydarian, “ It’s, ” Heydarian, Ezra Acayan, Ferdinand Marcos Sr, ” Marcos, Sandro Marcos, behead, Ranjit Singh Rye, ” Rye, Cleve Arguelles, Numero, Sebastian, Rodrigo’s, Paolo, ” Arguelles, reigniting, Prospero Nograles, Margarita, Karlo Nograles, Arguelles, Pastor Apollo Carreon, God ”, of Jesus Christ Organizations: CNN, Trump, Asian Center of, University of the, International Criminal Court, ICC, Department of Education, Lawmakers, Getty, Davao, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Kyodo, Marcos, FBI Locations: Philippine, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines, United States, China, University of the Philippines, Davao, Manila, “, Duterte, West Philippine, Washington, Beijing, Rye, Karlo, of

The head of Myanmar’s military government will pay an official visit this week to China, the embattled Southeast Asian nation’s most important international ally, for several regional meetings, state-run media reported on Monday, amid concern by the opposition. The visit comes as Myanmar’s army has suffered unprecedented battlefield defeats over the past year, especially in areas near the Chinese border. Myanmar’s pro-democracy opposition has expressed concern about China welcoming a visit by Min Aung Hlaing. It is Min Aung Hlaing and his group who are destroying these things,” Kyaw Zaw said. Myanmar’s army has been on the defensive since late last year when ethnic armed organizations dealt it major defeats in the country’s northeast.

Persons: Min Aung Hlaing, Aung, Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s, Min Aung, Chao, Kyaw Zaw, “, Aung Hlaing, ” Kyaw Zaw, Suu Organizations: Mekong Economic Cooperation, National Liberation Army, AFP, Getty Images, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, National Unity Government, Facebook, National League for Democracy, Brotherhood Alliance, ”, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Arakan Army Locations: China, Suu, Beijing, Myanmar, Kunming, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam Cooperation, China’s Yunnan, ” China, Russia, Kyaukme, Getty Images Russia, Jakarta, Shan

☆ ASEAN continues to emerge as a winner of U.S.-China trade tensions, IMF says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has continued to emerge as an economic winner of increasing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, though risks from fragmentation remain, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says. Though U.S.-China tensions have been deteriorating in recent years, ASEAN has adapted and continued to integrate with the global economy, the IMF said in its latest Asia-Pacific Outlook report, released Friday. "Despite geopolitical tensions, ASEAN has continued to strengthen trade and investment links with both China and the U.S.," the report said. "[T]he region has even been able to take advantage of trade diversion opportunities caused by US-China trade tensions," the report added. Overall, the IMF says these trends have contributed to the ASEAN region increasing its share of inward foreign direct investment, world exports and global value added.

Persons: Donald Trump, Biden Organizations: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, International Monetary Fund, U.S, ASEAN, IMF, Former U.S, China - Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, China, United States, Asia, U.S, Beijing, China - U.S, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Pacific

“She has been pretty resistant to having those conversations,” said one senior Democrat familiar with the pre-election discussions with the vice president. While Harris’ transition team has been operating out of government-provided offices in Washington, Trump’s transition team is working from Manhattan and the Willard Hotel in Washington. A Harris victory would trigger the first same-party transition since 1989, when President Ronald Reagan handed off the presidency to his vice president, George H.W. Yet the extent to which Harris would retain members of the Biden administration is largely unknown. While Harris has maintained relationships with individual Cabinet and administration officials, some believe she will prefer to start anew with her own team.

Persons: CNN — Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Harris, ”, “, I’ve, he’s, Joe Biden, Biden, Harris –, Harris ’, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, George H.W . Bush, “ They’re, Yohannes Abraham, Josh Hsu, Dana Remus Organizations: CNN, Harris Cabinet, Trump, White, Democratic, GOP, West Wing, White House, Biden, Republican, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: Washington, Manhattan, Washington ., California, George H.W .

“To date, GSA has entered into an MOU with the Harris transition team outlining the terms for space and services, and is prepared to provide services to the Trump transition team once an MOU is executed and services are accepted,” a GSA spokesperson said. The Harris team has also submitted its ethics plan; the Trump team has not. The federal transition coordinator, a White House spokesperson told CNN, is “actively working” with the former president’s transition team to complete its MOU. Inside Biden administration preparationsThe Biden administration began preparing for this transition in 2023, starting with the appointment of a federal transition coordinator, a senior career official who serves as the main liaison between the candidates and eventual president-elect. “We were waiting for the phone calls [from the Trump team], waiting for people to show up, and they never did.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Max Stier, “, ”, Trump, Chris Lu, Barack Obama’s, Harris, Biden, Linda McMahon, Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick, Joe Biden, Yohannes Abraham, ” Stier, Stier, Chris Christie, Christie, Mike Pence, Obama, Jason Miller, Aimee Whiteman, Valerie Boyd, Bush, John McCain, Lu, George W, Al Gore’s, Harris ’, Boyd, Trump’s, –, you’re Organizations: CNN, Public Service, White, Office of Management, Budget, General Services Administration, Republican, Democratic, ’, Trump, Small Business Administration, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, GSA, ”, House, New, New Jersey Gov, Biden, Activity, OMB, Center, Partnership for Public Service, Senate Locations: Indonesia, New Jersey, Florida

Republicans stand a good chance of erasing the Democrats’ narrow 51-49 Senate majority in November, a hard reality that complicates Harris' transition planning. Members of Harris’ transition team have studied that one — the handoff from Ronald Reagan to George H.W. Harris' team is operating under an unusually compressed timeline and is still building the basic apparatus needed to vet potential hires and staff an administration. Last month, Harris' campaign appointed Yohannes Abraham to run the team that is preparing for a transfer of power. He came to his new role with direct experience, having been executive director of Biden’s transition in 2020.

Persons: WASHINGTON, Kamala Harris, Harris, who’ve, Joe Biden, Biden, undercutting, —, Barack Obama, Robert Gates, George W, Bush's, Gates, ”, It’s, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, George H.W . Bush, They've, Hillary Clinton, Obama, Donald Trump, Yohannes Abraham, Abraham, Trump, “, she’s, Max Stier, There’s, Christine Wormuth, Kathleen Hicks, Michèle Flournoy, Rosa Brooks, ” Brooks, ” Harris, William Burns, Burns, who've, he's, Rohini Kosoglu, Harris ’, Julianne Smith, Phil Gordon, Sens, Chris Murphy, Chris Coons, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Samantha Power, Walz, Pete Buttigieg, Buttigieg, it’s “, Gina Raimondo, Joe ”, ” Raimondo, Raimondo Organizations: Republican, Biden, Senate, NBC, Trump, Pentagon, Democratic, Senate Democrats, Republicans, University of Virginia's, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Partnership for Public Service, Army, CIA, White House, NATO, United Nations, U.S . Agency for International Development, Transportation, Biden's Cabinet, Fox News Locations: Washington, George H.W ., U.S, Indonesia, Connecticut, Delaware, United, Biden's

☆ A US ally in the Pacific says it wants to keep a new American missile system that China got all 'dramatic' about 'forever'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA top Philippine general wants a new US missile system to remain in the country "forever" to boost its defenses and deterrence capabilities. The American weapon, the Mid-Range Capability missile system, has drawn China's ire. The MRC, also known as Typhon, is the US Army's new ground-based missile system capable of firing both the Standard Missile 6 and Tomahawk Land Attack missile. The Typhon system fills a gap in the US arsenal, offering a particularly versatile new land-based intermediate-range missile option as US rivals develop and field similar capabilities. Its ongoing deployment has angered China, which has repeatedly demanded the missile system be removed and accused the US of fueling an arms race.

Persons: —, Romeo Brawner Jr, he'd, Taylor, Enrique Manalo, Wang Yi, Manalo, Christine Wormuth Organizations: Service, MRC, Business, Armed Forces, Nuclear Forces Treaty, U.S . Navy, Associated Press, US, Association of Southeast, Nations, US Army, Force Locations: Philippine, Beijing, Philippines, China, Pacific, U.S, Washington, Manila, Laos, Japan

☆ A new US missile system that showed up in the Pacific this year keeps making China more and more unhappy
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The US military deployed its Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, missile system to the Philippines in April, and US military officials have expressed interest in deploying it in Japan. The MRC is a versatile new ground-based missile system that is capable of firing the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile System. The US military deployed the missile system overseas for the first time in April, putting it in the Philippines amid a joint exercise between the two militaries. AdvertisementWhile the new weapon wasn't fired during the exercise, its presence in the region irked China, which demanded the system be removed. Russia is said to have violated the Cold War-era arms-control pact by developing and fielding the SSC-8/9M729 missile system.

Persons: —, wasn't, Zachary Anderson, Enrique Manalo, Wang Yi, Manalo, Lin Jian, Army Christine Warmouth, Lin, Robert S, Price, Trump, Vladimir Putin's Organizations: Service, Business, MRC, Missile, US Army, US Army Pacific, US Navy, Zachary Anderson Philippine Foreign, Association of Southeast, Nations, Defense, Army, ., Navy, US, Nuclear Forces Treaty, NATO Locations: China, Beijing, Philippines, Japan, Zachary Anderson Philippine, Laos, Pacific, Russia, Moscow, Europe, Ukraine

☆ India rules out joining world’s largest trade deal, accuses China of 'very opaque' trade practices
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesIndia's commerce minister rejected the idea of joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest trade deal, maintaining that it is not in the country's interest to be part of a free trade agreement with China. Negotiations for the RCEP started in 2013 and initially included India, which some members viewed as a counterbalance to China. However, in 2019, India chose not to join RCEP, citing unresolved "core interest" issues. Goyal noted that at that time, India already had a free trade agreement with ASEAN, Japan and Korea, as well as a bilateral trade with New Zealand worth $300 million. "It was not in our farmers' interest, RCEP did not reflect the aspirations of our small and micro medium industries and sector, and in some form, was nothing but a free trade agreement with China," he said.

Persons: Industry Piyush Goyal, CNBC's Tanvir Gill, Goyal, RCEP Organizations: Anadolu, Getty, Regional Comprehensive Economic, ASEAN, Commerce, Industry, —, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, RCEP, New Zealand, Trade, Semiconductor Locations: China, India, Asia, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea

☆ China's exports grow by 8.7% in August, beating expectations
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING — China's exports rose by 8.7% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms in August, according to the customs agency. That was higher than the forecast for growth of 6.5% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, according to a Reuters poll. Imports grew by 0.5%. In July, exports rose by 7% from a year ago, while imports increased by a more-than-expected 7.2%. China's imports from Russia fell by 1%, while exports rose by 10%, the data analysis showed.

Organizations: Union and Association of Southeast, Nations, EU, CNBC, Imports, ASEAN Locations: Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, BEIJING, U.S, Russia

WASHINGTON — The Harris campaign has tapped Yohannes Abraham for a top role in the presidential transition team, according to a source familiar with the planning. Covington and Burling LLP, the law firm where former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder works, will help the transition team get set up. Abraham's appointment comes as the General Services Administration prepares to engage the Harris and Trump campaigns in the presidential transition process. Federal law related to presidential transitions stipulates Sept. 1 as the deadline for GSA to enter into formal agreements with presidential transition teams. Several former Trump administration staffers are part of the groups behind Project 2025, but McMahon and Lutnick haven’t been connected to the effort.

Persons: WASHINGTON, Harris, Yohannes Abraham, Abraham, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Covington, Burling, Eric Holder, Holder, Biden, Rod Lamkey, Trump, Linda McMahon, Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald, McMahon, Lutnick Organizations: Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, U.S, Burling LLP, State Department, National Security Council, General Services Administration, Trump, GSA, Foreign Relations, Reuters, Washington , D.C, Small Business Administration, Trump White House, Democrats Locations: U.S, Indonesia, Jakarta, Asia, Dirksen, Washington ,, USA

☆ Blinken chides Beijing's 'escalating actions' at sea, concerned over Taiwan
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea at a summit on Saturday, while his Russian counterpart said Washington has stoked anxiety with its plan for a nuclear deterrence with ally Seoul for the Korean peninsula. Blinken singled out China over its coast guard's hostile actions against U.S. defense treaty ally the Philippines in the South China Sea. The Philippines' small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the Second Thomas Shoal has angered China for years. Blinken discussed Taiwan with Wang and concerns about Beijing's recent "provocative actions", included a simulated blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a senior U.S. State Department official said. Wang told Blinken that although communications had been maintained between China and the United States, Washington had not stopped its containment and suppression of Beijing and had even intensified it.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Wang Yi, Beijing's, Blinken, Thomas Shoal, Wang, Lai Ching Organizations: China's, 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Washington, Seoul, U.S, ASEAN Regional Forum, EU, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Foreign, Taiwan, U.S . State Department Locations: Vientiane, South, China, Philippines, South China, Manila, Russia, India, Australia, Japan, Gaza, Ukraine, North, U.S, Laos, Beijing, Taiwan, United States, Washington

☆ China's imports unexpectedly drop in June, but exports beat forecasts
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesBEIJING — China's imports fell in June, missing expectations for slight growth, while exports rose more than expected, customs data released Friday showed. China's imports fell by 2.3% in June from a year ago in U.S. dollar terms. Those figures lifted year-to-date imports by 2%, and exports by 3.6% in the first six months compared with the same period a year earlier. watch nowEU's trade with China fell in the first six months of 2024, with imports and exports both declining. China's trade with the U.S. was down slightly in dollar terms during the first half of the year, as imports from the U.S. fell 4.9%, though exports rose 1.5%.

Organizations: Getty, BEIJING, U.S ., Association of Southeast Asian Nations, European Union, U.S Locations: Qingdao, Shangdong, China, U.S, Brazil

☆ Japan did it first. Chinese stocks with some of the biggest global upside
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

If the international expansion of Japanese companies is any guide, Chinese companies still have significant potential left in the global market. The company did not break out overseas revenue for the first quarter, but said overall revenue grew by 14% from a year ago to 3.8 billion yuan. When compared to Japanese companies, the contribution of overseas revenue to the total for Chinese businesses is low across industries. "We believe Zhejiang Dingli will benefit from strong boom lift sales growth, especially in the US market," the HSBC report said. I think the conversation has moved now more toward being tough on global trade or free trade," David Chao, global market strategist, Asia Pacific (ex-Japan), at Invesco, said during a webinar Thursday.

Persons: Steven Sun, Christine Peng, Anker, Dingli, Snibe, David Chao, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: HSBC, CSI, Japan's Nikkei, HSBC Qianhai Securities, UBS Asia Pacific, Companies, Amazon, Apple, Google, U.S . Commerce Department, Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering, Asia Pacific, U.S, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Union Locations: China, Japan's, Shanghai, Germany, Indonesia, East, South America, Shenzhen, Zhejiang, Snibe — Shenzhen, U.S, Asia, Japan, Invesco, Singapore, The U.S

☆ China's exports grow more than expected in May, up by 7.6%
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING — China's exports in May grew faster than expected, while imports missed forecasts, customs data showed Friday. Exports rose by 7.6% in May from a year a go in U.S. dollar terms, beating expectations for 6% growth, according to a Reuters poll. In April, China's exports rose by 1.5% year-on-year, while imports climbed by 8.4%. China's imports and exports to the U.S. and EU fell during that time, according to CNBC calculations of official data. China's exports to Russia fell during that time, while imports from Russia rose by 7.5%.

Organizations: BEIJING, Reuters, ., CNBC, Association of Southeast Locations: U.S, EU, Nations, Russia

☆ China's imports jump 8.4% in April, exceeding expectations as purchases from the U.S. grow
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Aly Song | ReutersBEIJING — China's customs agency released data Thursday that showed exports rose in-line with expectations in April, while imports surged ahead of forecasts. Worldwide, China's exports rose by 1.5% year-on-year in April in U.S. dollar terms, while imports climbed by 8.4%, the data showed. China's exports to ASEAN rose by 8% in April from a year ago, while imports rose by 5%. In April, China's imports and exports of integrated circuits rose from a year ago, the data showed. By volume, China's exports of cars, LCD panel displays and home appliances rose, while exports of cellphones fell slightly.

Persons: Aly Song Organizations: Reuters, CNBC, U.S, Association of Southeast, ASEAN Locations: Yangshan, Shanghai, China, Reuters BEIJING, U.S, Union, Russia, Nations, Vietnam, Mexico

☆ Microsoft to invest $1.7 billion into AI infrastructure in Indonesia, CEO Satya Nadella says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (C) arrives for a meeting with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on April 30, 2024. The announcement came as CEO Satya Nadella met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the same day. "This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia," Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, said in a statement. Microsoft also said it will partner with governments, organizations and communities to provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states by 2025. Nadella met with Jokowi in Jakarta on Tuesday to discuss topics including technological and AI breakthroughs that will help Indonesia progress, according to Indonesian news agency Antara.

Persons: Satya Nadella, Joko Widodo, ISMOYO, Nadella Organizations: Getty, Microsoft, Indonesian, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Jokowi, Antara Locations: Jakarta, AFP, Indonesia, Golden Indonesia

The top US diplomat landed in Shanghai where he is expected to meet local officials and business leaders, and he will then travel to Beijing for meetings with senior Chinese officials. “We are in a different place than we were a year ago when the bilateral relationship was at an historic low point,” a senior State Department official said. “Russia is no longer kind of on its back foot,” a second senior State Department official said. Blinken will make the case that China should weigh in “more directly” with Iran to be less provocative in the region, the second senior State Department official said. “In both cases the Chinese have taken some early steps,” said the second senior State Department official, adding that there is still “much more” that needs to be done on both fronts.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Janet Yellen, Biden, Xi, ”, “, ” Blinken, Matthew Miller, Leah Millis, China’s, ” Xi, Blinken, ” Miller, it’s, Mark Swidan, Kai Li, David Lin Organizations: CNN, State Department, Ukraine, US, Foreign Ministry, of, People, Biden, Chinese Foreign Ministry, ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Beijing, Party, Taiwan, Communist, Taiwan Relations, White Locations: China, Ukraine, Shanghai, Beijing, California, Russia, Moscow, Italy, “ Russia, ”, Europe, United States, South China, Philippine, Washington, Philippines, South, Taiwan, Taiwan Strait, East, Iran

☆ U.S. loses its spot to China as Southeast Asia's most favored ally, survey finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

This is the first time Beijing has edged past Washington since 2020 when the annual survey first posed the question. China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea is the Philippines' (90.2%) and Vietnam's (72.5%) top concern, the region's two frontline South China Sea claimant states. The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg last month that his government's claims on certain parts of the South China sea should not be viewed as provoking China. Vietnam has also asserted sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea though Beijing has brushed aside those claims. ASEAN should build up its resilience and unity to fend off pressures from the two major powers, the U.S. and China, nearly half of the survey respondents said.

Persons: ISEAS – Yusof, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Kenddrick Chan Organizations: ASEAN Studies, Jan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Bloomberg, Philippines, U.S, LSE, London School of Economics, Political Science Locations: China, U.S, Washington, Beijing, Singapore, ISEAS, Indonesia . China, Japan, South China, Philippines, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

☆ Standing Up to China, Philippine Leader Courts New Network of Partners
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | Camille Elemia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

With China aggressively asserting its claims on the South China Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines spent his first year on the job beefing up Manila’s alliance with its oldest ally, the United States. Mr. Marcos is adding a new intensity to his muscular foreign policy at a critical moment in his country’s territorial dispute with Beijing. In January, Mr. Marcos and the leaders of Vietnam, another country fighting off Chinese claims to the crucial waterway, pledged closer cooperation between their coast guards. This month, Mr. Marcos clinched a maritime cooperation deal with Australia. “It has to be recognized that the South China Sea handles 60 percent of the trade of the entire world.

Persons: Ferdinand R, Marcos Jr, Marcos, it’s, Mr Organizations: Maritime, Australia, South China, ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: China, Philippines, United States, Beijing, Vietnam, Europe, South, Berlin

☆ China's 5% GDP goal is 'attainable' but it won't be easy, says Hong Kong's financial secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

China's GDP target of 5% for 2024 is possible, but it won't be easy to achieve, Hong Kong's financial secretary told CNBC Tuesday after Beijing set a growth target of "around 5%" for this year. I think this is attainable, although it's not easy," Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan told CNBC's Emily Chan, highlighting bright spots in China's export sector and domestic consumption. So this represents also a huge market for China's export," Chan said, adding that "we expect the export situation of the mainland will improve particularly into developing Asia." Domestic consumption is also a key driver for the city's growth in the short term, said the financial secretary. Hong Kong's GDP is projected to grow 2.5% to 3.5% this year.

Persons: it's, Paul Chan, CNBC's Emily Chan, Chan, Goldman Sachs Organizations: CNBC, Kong's, ASEAN, Association of Southeast, Nations, U.S . Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, U.S, Macao, Hong Kong

☆ Why Australia keeps an arm’s length from South China Sea tensions, even as it draws closer with the Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Australian Parliament last week there was no mistaking the fighting talk. The Philippines accused China's coast guard of setting up the barrier at the mouth of the disputed fishing ground. That meeting will also be attended by several other nations with territorial disagreements with China – including Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Australia was unlikely to back any tough language at the summit pertaining to the South China Sea or any other hot-button issue. As Bisley put it, “We don’t like what China does, but we’re not going to put ourselves in harm’s way.”

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ”, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, –, Thomas Shoal, David, China’s, Marcos ’, China –, Scott Morrison, Collin Koh, Penny Wong annouced, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Lukas Coch, Susannah Patton, it’s, ” Patton, China’s aggressions, Wang Wenbin, Nick Bisley, Bisley, we’re Organizations: CNN, Maxar, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Australia, Australian, Partners, Reuters, South China, Southeast Asia, Lowy Institute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Trobe University Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Manila, China’s, Philippine, Scarborough, Scarborough Shoal, Hague, United States, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Beijing, Singapore, South, Penny Wong annouced Canberra, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

☆ Factbox-Policy Pledges of Indonesia's Presidential Candidates
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

(Reuters) - Three candidates are running in Indonesia's presidential election on Feb. 14. The following is a summary of policy objectives they have pledged while campaigning. ANIES BASWEDAN- Target 5.5%-6.5% average annual economic growth from 2025-2029- Create 15 million jobs, including 'green' jobs- Raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.4% in 2022 to 13%-16% by 2029- Target annual inflation of 2%-3% from 2025-2029- Offer incentives for renewable energy projects- Impose a carbon tax with proceeds to be used as an endowment fund to finance development of renewable energy- Increase the 'village fund' to 5 billion rupiah ($317,965) for each village, from the current 1 billion rupiah. - Widen access to global markets for palm oil farmers- Strengthen free trade agreements and Indonesia's role in international financial institutions- Minimise imports of staple foods- Create 2 million new affordable housing units, including for informal workers, youth- Expedite forest conservation and rehabilitation projects- Limit new construction of, and retire existing coal-fired power plants, especially in Java, Bali islands- Review debt of state-owned enterprises, continue debt restructuring programme- Revise Jobs Creation Law with goal to ensure fair wages for workers- Evaluate the $32 billion new capital city project- Evaluate food estate programme, replacing it with contract farming, a scheme to ensure farm products will be sold- Impose a wealth tax on Indonesia's 100 richest people- Audit the nickel industry with focus on its impact on the environment and ensuring welfare of domestic workers- Strengthen the anti-corruption agency by revising the law that regulates it- Ease permitting requirements for building places of worshipGANJAR PRANOWO- Continue programmes of outgoing President Joko Widodo's administration- Target average annual economic growth of 7%- Create 17 million new jobs- Expedite construction of new capital city- Increase the defence budget as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) to between 1%-2%, from about 0.8% presently. Modernise military hardware- Target 30% share for renewable sources in energy mix by 2029- Allow more renewable energy producers to use electricity grids of state utility firms to boost green energy adoption- Set up a dedicated ministry for the palm oil sector- Maintain moratorium on deforestation, accelerate reforestation programmes- Create digital tax collection system under the new tax agency separated from finance ministry- Limit permit issuance of new nickel smelter to avoid a further oversupply- Expand social welfare to cover 15 million families, up from 10 million currently- Provide funding to ensure at least one member of a poor family receives education until college- Strengthen national anti-corruption agency- Maintain foreign policy of non-alignment- Strengthen Indonesia's commitment to support fight of Palestinian people- Revitalise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its decision-making process, especially regarding South China Sea disputes.

Persons: ANIES, GANJAR, Joko Widodo's, PRABOWO, Joko, Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, Stefanno Sulaiman, Bernadette Christina Munthe, Martin Petty Organizations: Reuters, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: Java, Bali, South

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nine members of the United Nations Security Council condemned “indiscriminate” airstrikes by Myanmar's military against civilians before an envoy briefed the council Monday as part of regional efforts to implement a peace plan that has so far been largely ineffective. Before the council meeting, nine of the 15 council members stood before reporters to support a statement read by Britain’s U.N. The United States pushed for an enforceable Security Council resolution to prevent Myanmar from getting jet fuel, the council diplomat said. According to the council diplomat, China, which has close ties to Myanmar, emphasized the need to give ASEAN's efforts time and space. Russia, which also has links to Myanmar, reiterated that the council shouldn’t be interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Persons: Alounkeo Kittikhoun, —, Kittikhoun, Britain’s U.N, Barbara Woodward, Myanmar’s, Aung, Suu Kyi, United States —, Saleumxay Kommasith, Win Myint, U.N, Kyaw Moe Tun, Suu Kyi’s Organizations: UNITED NATIONS, United Nations Security Council, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Lao, Arakan Army, Bangladesh, Myanmar’s Border Guard Police, Democratic, Amnesty Locations: Myanmar, ASEAN, Laos, Suu, China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Thailand, Rakhine, Bangladesh, Arakan, U.S, Union, Vietnam, Russia

☆ ASEAN launches guide for governing AI, but experts say there are challenges
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Close up of woman's hand touching illuminated and multi-coloured LED display screen, connecting to the future. People, lifestyle and technologyThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday published a framework for artificial intelligence governance, but experts say member states being at "different stages of digital development" could pose a challenge. "The guide seeks to establish common principles for trustworthy AI and suggest best practices for how to implement trustworthy AI in ASEAN," said Singapore's Ministry of Communications and Information. Singapore is hosting the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting from Feb. 1-2 to discuss emerging digital issues including AI and cyber scams. Kristina Fong, lead researcher for economic affairs at ASEAN Studies Centre, said "the light-touch, flexible approach" to managing AI risks with the guide is a "reflection of the challenges posed by the development gaps between ASEAN member states."

Persons: Kristina Fong, Fong Organizations: of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Singapore's Ministry of Communications, Information, ASEAN Digital Ministers, ASEAN Studies Centre Locations: Singapore

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