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☆ 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

☆ First Solar CEO says tariff exemptions threaten U.S. efforts to ramp up domestic solar manufacturing
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Megan Jelinger | ReutersA flood of foreign solar components threatens efforts to build a domestic manufacturing base in the U.S. to support the clean energy transition, according to First Solar CEO Mark Widmar. A common type of solar panel used in the U.S. is excluded from Section 201 tariffs designed to protect domestic solar manufacturing, and a moratorium on tariffs against solar components imported from several Southeast Asian nations is in place. Biden vetoed legislation last spring that would have imposed tariffs on solar components from Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. "What this is doing is it's not allowing these domestic companies to scale," Widmar said. The company has intentionally overbooked to provide a buffer against the volatility in the solar market, he said.

Persons: Megan Jelinger, Mark Widmar, Widmar, Biden, Trump, Joe Biden, wasn't Organizations: Reuters, Solar, CNBC, U.S . Commerce Department, Commerce Locations: Perrysburg , Ohio, U.S, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam

☆ 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

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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ ASEAN Foreign Ministers Back 'Myanmar-Owned and Led' Solution to Crisis
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

(Reuters) - Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Monday pressed for an end to Myanmar's bloody crisis and expressed unity in their backing for an ASEAN peace plan and a "Myanmar-owned and led solution" to the conflict. The ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were attending a retreat in Luang Prabang in Laos, which is chair this year of the 10-member bloc. In a statement, they also called for a cessation of hostilities in Myanmar to allow delivery of humanitarian aid, and concerning the South China Sea, urged a conducive environment for the furthering of talks towards a code of conduct between ASEAN and China. (Reporting by Martin Petty, editing by Ed Osmond)

Persons: Martin Petty, Ed Osmond Organizations: Reuters, ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: Myanmar, Luang Prabang, Laos, China

☆ Southeast Asia markets are poised for a comeback with valuations at 'bargain basement,' Maybank says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Mohd Rasfan | Afp | Getty ImagesSoutheast Asia markets could see a turnaround in 2024 on the back of cheap valuations and potentially high economic growth, after losing some steam last year, according to Maybank. Improving growth, rising exports, a pick up in manufacturing and a better-than-expected outlook by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company last week all mean that Southeast Asia markets are poised for a better year, said Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research for Singapore at Maybank Investment Banking Group. "Southeast Asia really is a bargain basement of markets, when it comes to valuations," Wickramasinghe told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia." watch nowThe MSCI Southeast Asia index fell a little over 3% in 2023, compared with a more than 20% rise in the broader MSCI World index, whose top five constituents are U.S.-listed technology giants including Apple and Microsoft . The MSCI's Southeast Asia index was trading at about 13.21x its 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio, according to data from MSCI, as of Dec. 29, compared with a 16.57x forward P/E for the MSCI World index.

Persons: Mohd Rasfan, Thilan Wickramasinghe, Wickramasinghe, CNBC's Organizations: 51st Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Afp, Getty, Maybank, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Singapore, Maybank Investment Banking Group, Apple, Microsoft Locations: Philippines, Republic, Korea, Singapore, Asia

☆ Pacific Nations Meet in China to Discuss Naval Issues
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The three-day talks among 70 representatives from 30 countries come amid heightened tension in the South China Sea, particularly sea encounters between China and the Philippines. This week's working group meeting lays the groundwork for a biennial Western Pacific Naval Symposium set for the eastern city of Qingdao in April. Since 2002, China and Southeast Asian nations have tried to establish a framework to negotiate a code of conduct for the South China Sea, but progress has been glacial. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration said China's South China Sea claims had no legal basis, in a ruling rejected by Beijing. The concerns of members of the Pacific naval symposium go beyond the South China Sea, however.

Persons: Ryan Woo, Albee Zhang, Jacqueline Wong, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: Naval, South China, U.S ., Pacific, South Locations: BEIJING, Japan, Russia, United States, China's, Nanjing, South China, China, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Manila, South, U.S, Qingdao, Southeast, Beijing, South Korea, North Korea

☆ China's annual exports drop for the first time in seven years
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Aly Song | ReutersBEIJING — China's annual exports fell for the first time in seven years in 2023, even as shipments in December beat expectations, customs data showed Friday. But for 2023, exports fell 4.6%, the first such annual drop since a 7.7% decline in 2016, according to Wind Information. By country, the U.S. remained China's largest trading partner. Russia was a rare bright spot, with China's exports to the country climbing nearly 47% in 2023, and imports rising almost 13%. China's exports in most product categories fell in 2023, with machinery, boats and home appliances among the few exceptions.

Persons: Aly Song, Caixin, Larry Hu, Zhiwei Zhang Organizations: Reuters, Information, of Southeast, Nations, European Union, U.S ., China, National Bureau, Statistics Locations: Yangshan, Shanghai, China, Reuters BEIJING, U.S, Russia

☆ How the U.S. courted the Philippines to thwart China
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +14 min

What followed was two trips to the United States in less than a year for Marcos, and visits to the Philippines by high-ranking Biden administration officials. Marcos’ predecessor, the populist firebrand Rodrigo Duterte, was openly hostile to the United States and attempted to bring his country closer to communist China during his six-year term. For the United States, cementing alliances in the Asia-Pacific region is likewise crucial to keeping China in check. China’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement to Reuters, characterized China and the Philippines as “close neighbors across the sea” with a common interest in friendship. At the time, he said the cancellation of his visa was the latest in a list of “gripes and disrespect” by the United States.

Persons: Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Joe Biden, Marcos, Gregorio Maria Araneta III, “, ” Araneta, Biden, Kamala Harris, Antony Blinken, Defense Lloyd Austin, Julio Amador III, Marcos ’, Rodrigo Duterte, China’s, Xi Jinping, ” Marcos ’, Ferdinand Marcos Sr, ”, Marcos family’s, Washington, Duterte, China “, Becca Wasser, Wasser, Barack Obama, Xi, “ I’ve, ” Duterte, Ronald “ Bato, dela Rosa, Dela Rosa, gripes, Toribio Adaci, hadn’t, Blake Herzinger, Herzinger Organizations: Reuters, U.S, Defense, ., Party, China, U.S . State Department, ” Reuters, Philippine, United, Foreign Ministry, ” ‘, People’s Liberation Army, Center, New, New American Security, CNAS, U.S . Department of Defense, U.S ., Initiative, Philippines National Economic Development Authority, United States, Philippine National Police, Washington, Forces, VFA, Mutual, China’s, U.S . Pacific Fleet, Cooperation Locations: Philippines, Philippine, Manila, United States, U.S, China, America, Asia, Taipei, Taiwan, Beijing, South, East Asia, Pacific, Washington, Hawaii, South China, It’s, American, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New American, Taiwan . U.S, Duterte, China’s, Guangdong

☆ Vietnam Relied on Environmentalists to Secure Billions. Then It Jailed Them.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | More About Sui-Lee Wee | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The nine nations had announced in December that Vietnam would receive $15.5 billion in grants and loans in exchange for a commitment to renewable energy. Ms. Nhien, 48, never got the chance to see Vietnam present the plan. While two activists have since been released, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights said in September that the “prosecutions and the arbitrary application of restrictive legislation are having a chilling effect” on environmentalists in Vietnam. Activists and academics say that Vietnam appears to be emboldened by its growing importance to the West and has taken the opportunity to clamp down, knowing there will be few repercussions. President Biden visited Vietnam in September, elevating ties to a new strategic relationship that he said would “be a force for prosperity and security in one of the most consequential regions in the world.”

Persons: Nhien, Biden, ” Organizations: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, United Nations Locations: United States, Japan, Vietnam, China

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the retreat session of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 5, 2023. The document, known as Resource Mobilisation Plan, has to be agreed with investors ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) which begins on Thursday in Dubai. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the COP28 from Nov 30 to Dec 3, the government portal said, raising expectations that the plan could be announced there. A second foreign official said there was no major issue pending, and approval of the final version "is very nearly there." There is no certainty that Vietnam would actually take the loans on offer, and the communist government has been reluctant to take foreign loans in the past.

Persons: Pham Minh Chinh, Mast, Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio, Khanh Vu, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Vietnam's, 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Rights, Change, Reuters, of, Thomson Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, Rights HANOI, Vietnam, Dubai, Hanoi

☆ China pledges deeper trade ties with Vietnam
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao pledged to deepen bilateral trade ties with Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, China's commerce ministry said. China and the United States have been jostling for influence among Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, which in September elevated its ties with Washington to a comprehensive strategic partnership, putting its one-time enemy on par with Beijing and Moscow. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held "frank and friendly talks" on bilateral ties, land borders and maritime issues with Vietnam's Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu in Hanoi earlier this month. Wang also met Ho Chi Minh City's Vietnamese Communist Party secretary Nguyen Van Nen on Saturday, the Chinese commerce ministry said. Reporting by Laurie Chen; Editing by Edmund KlamannOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Wang Wentao, Pham Minh, Wang, Sun Weidong, Nguyen Minh Vu, Xi Jinping, Ho, Nguyen Van Nen, Laurie Chen, Edmund Klamann Organizations: Commerce, Vietnamese, Beijing, Foreign, Vietnam's, Reuters, Communist Party, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, China, United States, Washington, Moscow, Hanoi

☆ China Pledges Deeper Trade Ties With Vietnam
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao pledged to deepen bilateral trade ties with Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, China's commerce ministry said. Wang said China-Vietnam trade cooperation had already achieved "fruitful results" and would include strategic areas such as the digital economy, green development and cross-border e-commerce, according to a readout published late Saturday by the Chinese ministry. China and the United States have been jostling for influence among Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, which in September elevated its ties with Washington to a comprehensive strategic partnership, putting its one-time enemy on par with Beijing and Moscow. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held "frank and friendly talks" on bilateral ties, land borders and maritime issues with Vietnam's Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu in Hanoi earlier this month. Wang also met Ho Chi Minh City's Vietnamese Communist Party secretary Nguyen Van Nen on Saturday, the Chinese commerce ministry said.

Persons: Wang Wentao, Pham Minh, Wang, Sun Weidong, Nguyen Minh Vu, Xi Jinping, Ho, Nguyen Van Nen, Laurie Chen, Edmund Klamann Organizations: Commerce, Vietnamese, Beijing, Foreign, Vietnam's, Reuters, Communist Party Locations: BEIJING, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, China, United States, Washington, Moscow, Hanoi

☆ Indonesia Says 'Positive' Signs From Myanmar's Warring Camps on Dialogue Effort
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia said on Friday it had hosted a meeting of some of the key stakeholders in the conflict in military-ruled Myanmar at which each gave a "positive indication" about holding inclusive dialogue soon. As outgoing chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia is pushing for dialogue between rival camps in a bloody crisis triggered by the military's coup against Myanmar's elected government in 2021. The objective of the meeting, Indonesia said, was to enable inclusive talks, reduce violence, and support humanitarian efforts, in line with a "five-point consensus" agreed to by Myanmar's military soon after the coup. "Upon receiving the respective messages, stakeholders indicated positive indication on the possibility of convening dialogues in an inclusive and genuine manner soon." Indonesia has been quietly engaging various parties but has said progress has been impaired by some insisting on preconditions for talks.

Persons: Myanmar's, Stanley Widianto, Martin Petty, William Maclean Organizations: National Unity Government, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, United Nations Locations: JAKARTA, Indonesia, Myanmar, Jakarta, ASEAN

☆ Philippines woos neighbours to craft code on South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Coast Guard vessel (L) blocks the ML Kalayaan chartered supply boat (R) during a mission to deliver provisions at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. Speaking in Hawaii at a livestreamed event, Marcos said escalating tension in the South China Sea required the Philippines to partner with allies and neighbors to maintain peace in the busy waterway, with the situation now "more dire". The embassies of China, Malaysia and Vietnam in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on a possible code. ON-OFF CONFRONTATIONSTalks on components of the code have yet to start, with concerns about how far China, which claims ownership of most of the South China Sea, is committed to a binding set of rules that ASEAN nations want to align with existing international law. China has turned submerged reefs into military installations equipped with radar, runways and missile systems, some inside the Philippines' EEZ.

Persons: Shoal, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Marcos, Xi Jinping Organizations: Guard, ROSA, Getty, South China, ASEAN, Economic Cooperation, PLA, People's Liberation Army Navy Locations: South, AFP, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, United States, Hawaii, ASEAN, Manila, Asia, San Francisco, South China, Brunei, Indonesia, Beijing, Philippine

☆ Philippines' Marcos says Myanmar a difficult problem for ASEAN
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Speaking at a forum in Hawaii streamed live in the Philippines on Monday, Marcos said there was commitment from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but the issue was complex, including the humanitarian impact. "There is a great deal of impetus for ASEAN to solve this problem. But it is a very, very difficult problem," Marcos said. The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026 after it replaced Myanmar as host that year. Marcos, citing analyses of the recent escalation, said the junta had already lost support from its own military.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, Vivian Balakrishnan, Sarun Charoensuwan, Pham Minh Chinh, Antonio Guterres, Joko Widodo, Marcos, upending, Mikhail Flores, Karen Lema, Neil Jerome Morales, Martin Petty Organizations: Singapore's, Vietnam's, UN, Southeast, ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, United Nations, Thomson Locations: Philippines, Laos, MANILA, Myanmar, Hawaii

All three candidates vying to win the Feb. 14 election in Southeast Asia's largest economy have said they will prioritise cleaning up the power sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To do that, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and former provincial governor Ganjar Pranowo, running neck-and-neck in recent surveys, would consider ending state-run Perusahaan Listrik Negara's (PLN) monopoly in order to allow renewable power producers to sell directly to customers. Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, trailing in opinion polls, has called for improved leadership for the power sector but has not proposed breaking up PLN's monopoly. Proponents argue that opening the sector would accelerate adoption of renewables, as independent power producers will be incentivised to offer green power to companies pledging carbon neutrality. Agam, from the climate consultancy, said delaying renewable power to companies could mean lost investment.

Persons: Prabowo Subianto, Dita Alangkara, Ganjar Pranowo, Anies Baswedan, Agam Subarkah, Alexander Sonny Keraf, PLN, Prabowo, Eddy Soeparno, Soeparno, Gayatri Suroyo, Ananda Teresia, Stefanno Sulaiman, Stanley Widianto, Tony Munroe, Miral Organizations: Indonesia's Defense, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Reuters, Defence, Former Jakarta, Cendekia, POWER WHEELING Ganjar, Thomson Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, Rights JAKARTA, Southeast Asia's

☆ US, China, Southeast Asia defence officials meet amid crises
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Ministers and members of the delegates attend the opening session of the 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting - Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 16, 2023. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan/Pool Acquire Licensing RightsJAKARTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Defence ministers and officials from the United States, China, Russia and Southeast Asia gathered in Indonesia on Thursday for a meeting where they are expected to discuss geopolitical crises in and outside the region. Defence ministers in Southeast Asia's regional bloc ASEAN called on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza and a durable solution in Myanmar, as conflicts are deepening there. "Indonesia is of the view that the region's multiple security issues, ranging from traditional and non-traditional threats, can only be solved by extensive open and inclusive global collaboration," Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's defence minister said in an opening speech on Thursday. Visiting Washington this week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo pressed Biden to do more to end Israel's war with Hamas.

Persons: Willy Kurniawan, Prabowo, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Fomin, Jing Jianfeng, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Joko Widodo, Biden, Stanley Widianto, Lincoln Organizations: 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Defense, REUTERS, Rights, Defence, U.S . Defense, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, Rights JAKARTA, United States, China, Russia, Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia's, Gaza, Myanmar, Korean, Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco, Malaysia, Washington

☆ Indonesia hosts regional defence chiefs amid multiple global crises
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Nov 15 (Reuters) - Defence ministers in ASEAN called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a durable solution to the crisis in Myanmar during the opening of a regional meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. Defence ministers from the Asian bloc are attending the 2-day meeting alongside key players in the Indo-Pacific as major powers jostle for regional influence, and as conflicts deepen from Myanmar to the Middle East. All ASEAN defence ministers, with the exception of Myanmar's, attended Wednesday's forum, with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet counterparts later in the day. The talks will expand on Thursday to include Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia. The country removed its defence minister in October, raising questions about the stability of the leadership around President Xi Jinping.

Persons: Prabowo Subianto, Joko Widodo, Joe Biden, Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Prabowo, Myanmar's, Lloyd Austin, Jing Jianfeng, Xi Jinping, Austin, Aaron Connelly, Thomas Shoal, Connelly, Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, Kate Lamb, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Defence, ASEAN, Wednesday, Indonesian Defence, Hamas, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan, U.S . Defence, Air, Joint Staff Department, China's, Military Commission, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Myanmar, Jakarta, Washington, Malaysian, Malaysia, East, Ukraine, South China, China, Philippines, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Australia, Beijing, Indonesia, North Korea, Pyongyang, Singapore, U.S, Israel

☆ 3 things to know about the most important relationship in the global economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Even so, finding ways to “get back on a normal course” — in the words of Biden — matters hugely to the global economy. He also pointed to some American companies leaving China altogether, such as asset management giant Vanguard. In the third quarter, a measure of foreign direct investment into China turned negative for the first time in 25 years. The country is by far the world’s biggest gallium producer, and a leading global producer of germanium, according to the US Geological Survey. Listed American companies with big business in China, such as Apple (AAPL) and Tesla (TSLA), may face higher scrutiny, too.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, “, Biden, ”, Scott Kennedy, Chenggang Xu, California Justin Sullivan, Xu, Gina Raimondo, Adam Glanzman, Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Donald Trump, Liu, … Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Economic Cooperation, CNN, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Stanford Center, China’s, Shipping, Port, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, European Union, American Chamber of Commerce, Vanguard, Companies, US, Nvidia, Semiconductor Industry Association, Bloomberg, Getty, Geological Survey, Council, Foreign Relations, Communist Party of China Finances, Capital, Apple, Chinese Communist Party, China Economic, Security, Commission, Biden, CFR Locations: China, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Asia, United States, Mexico, Canada, Port of Oakland, California, Shanghai, Ukraine, Moscow, Washington, Beijing, American, New York, US, Japan, Netherlands, Sequoia

NEW DELHI (AP) — Top diplomats and defense chiefs from India and the United States met Friday focusing on security issues involving the Indo-Pacific, China and the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. and India have a strong partnership and would discuss matters with implications for the future. He also said that the United States and India are bolstering their partnership in international peace and strengthening a rule-based order. Political Cartoons View All 1239 ImagesBlinken also said defense cooperation was a key pillar in ties between the countries. India and the U.S. have held the two-plus-two talks between India’s external affairs and defense minister and the U.S. secretaries of state and defense since 2018 to discuss issues of concern and strengthen bilateral ties.

Persons: Antony Blinken, ”, Blinken, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Uday Bhaskar, Defense Lloyd Austin, Rajnath Singh, Narendra Modi’s Organizations: DELHI, —, U.S, Association of Southeast, Nations, Defense, Indian Locations: India, United, Pacific, China, Israel, U.S, Asia, Japan, Australia, United States, Palestine, Gaza, Ukraine, Philippines, South China, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Washington

☆ Malaysia drops plans for proposed transborder haze pollution bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO:The sun rises above Kuala Lumpur's skyline on a hazy day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 9, 2023. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Malaysia will not proceed with a proposed bill to prevent transborder haze pollution, its environment ministry said, citing difficulties in obtaining the necessary information for prosecution purposes. "To enable the enforcement of a transboundary haze pollution bill, clear evidence that transboundary haze originates from neighbouring countries must be supported by sufficient data such as location maps, coordinates, landowner information and companies operating in the location of fires," the ministry said. It said such information was difficult to obtain as it involved matters of confidentiality, security and national sovereignty. Malaysia last month called on Indonesia and a grouping of Southeast Asian nations to take action as air quality worsened across the country due to fires in Indonesia.

Persons: Hasnoor Hussain, Danial Azhar, Jamie Freed Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Kuala Lumpur's, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, KUALA LUMPUR, Indonesia

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