Talking points

Today our editors will be keeping their eyes on ...

Suu Kyi in live televised dialogue with HK

Myanmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, recipient of the 1991 Nobel peace prize, will conduct a live dialogue with the public at the University of Hong Kong via a televised transmission from Myanmar. Titled 'A Centenary Dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi', it is the first time Suu Kyi has accepted an Asian university's invitation to conduct a dialogue since her release from house arrest in November. She will discuss a range of contemporary issues with members of the university and the public.

Vice-premier's Russia visit ends speculation

Vice-Premier Wang Qishan will be in Russia from today to June 3 for negotiations on bilateral energy co-operation, refuting earlier speculation that talks had been called off over an oil price dispute. It was reported that Beijing had cancelled the seventh round of the China-Russia energy negotiators' meeting to iron out issues over the price of Russian oil supplies via pipeline monopoly Transneft.

China, Nigeria to sign new deals

China's growing presence in Nigeria, Africa's top oil producer, is in the spotlight today with railways minister Sheng Guangzu (left) set to sign new deals. Sheng arrived in Abuja, the capital of Africa's most populous country, yesterday as President Hu Jintao's special envoy to the inaugural ceremony of President Goodluck Jonathan. Beijing has increased its investment in Nigeria in recent years - in addition to oil deals, it has just announced it will lend Nigeria US$900 million to fund railway and communications projects. China has used similar infrastructure-for-resources exchanges to gain access to numerous African countries from which it had previously been excluded.

Zuma takes African Union plan to Gaddafi

South African President Jacob Zuma will visit Libya to discuss a possible 'exit strategy' with embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi, according to sources from Zuma's office. Zuma's visit, on behalf of the African Union, comes after G8 leaders called for Gaddafi to step down after more than 40 years in power in the face of pro-democracy protests that turned into full-fledged revolt.

Cambodia and Thailand in court over temple

Cambodia and Thailand argue their cases before the International Court of Justice after a Cambodian demand for an immediate withdrawal of Thai troops from a disputed area around the ancient temple of Preah Vihear, which has been the scene of a bitter border dispute between the two neighbours.

NBA fans gear up for two-week feast

Basketball fans the world over are priming their TVs and fridges or staking out sports bars today on the eve of the NBA playoffs, which run for two weeks from tomorrow. The best-of-seven series sees the Dallas Mavericks, with veteran Dirk Nowitzki enjoying some of the best form of his career, take on the Miami Heat led by LeBron James, who some are comparing to all-time great Michael Jordan.