Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

Hainan province girds for second tempest in a week

Tens of thousands of fishing boats have been called back to port in preparation for strong tropical storm Nalgae, expected to land in Hainan late today. The province is still reeling from the damage caused a few days ago by Typhoon Nesat (left), which forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents, triggered floods and toppled houses.

Pig-nosed turtles highlight conservation lapses

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will draw public attention to the need for better protection for the world's endangered species, holding a press briefing about 600 pig-nosed turtles confiscated earlier this year in an anti-smuggling operation. The turtles, now in the care of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, will be flown to their native habitat in Indonesia tomorrow, where they will be returned to the wild.

Taiwanese opposition leader meets Japanese elite

The presidential candidate of Taiwan's main opposition party, Dr Tsai Ing-wen, is scheduled to meet the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on the second day of her visit to the country. Tsai (left, being greeted after a speech at a Tokyo hotel yesterday) will brief the press at noon before meeting lawmakers. The Democratic Progressive Party chairwoman said she would discuss regional security and economic issues.

Karzai in India to sign historic partnership pact

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (right) visits India to sign a historic strategic partnership that includes an Indian commitment to assist and train Afghan national security forces. Karzai's visit follows Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to Kabul in May. India is concerned that the eventual departure of the United States from Afghanistan and a continued Taliban resurgence could undermine its security. Karzai's visit comes amid tensions with India's chief rival, Pakistan, over claims that its intelligence agency masterminded the assassination of Kabul's chief peace negotiator with the Taliban.

Apple-hungry public gets glimpse of iPhone 5

The latest generation of the iPhone - still the smartphone industry's gold standard after four years - is expected to see the light of day at a special launch event in Silicon Valley, California. The so-called iPhone 5 is widely expected to have a bigger touchscreen and faster processor than the iPhone 4. The launch will also be the moment Tim Cook finally gets his chance to stride out from under Steve Jobs' shadow and make his unofficial debut as Apple's chief executive.