Talking Points

The Legislative Council meets for the first time since last month's election, with a host of new lawmakers due to take the oath of office. On the agenda for the first day will be the election of the body's president, with incumbent Jasper Tsang Yok-sing favoured to overcome a challenge from Civic Party leader Alan Leong Kah-kit. Also high on the agenda will be tussling between pan-democrat and Beijing-loyalist parties over the chairmanships of key committees.
 

A Malaysian court decides on whether it will consider judicial reviews to permanently block production at Lynas Corp's controversial rare earths plant. The plant - the biggest outside China - has been ready to fire up since May, but the company has been embroiled in environmental and safety disputes with local residents since construction began two years ago. The plant is considered important to breaking China's grip on the processing of rare earths, used in products ranging from smartphones to hybrid cars.
 

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou speaks to the island to mark its national day. It's the first Double Tenth speech for Ma since his re-election for a second term as president in January. As well as the speech, Ma is also expected to take part in the annual inspection of the island's military hardware. The date is used because it marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of China.