Talking Points, December 3, 2014
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
The central standing committee of the ruling Kuomintang in Taiwan holds a special meeting, at which chairman Ma Ying-jeou is expected to step down. This follows the party's crushing defeat in local elections. The KMT lost in mayoral polls in Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung. Premier Jiang Yi-huah and 81 members of his cabinet have already resigned. The opposition Democratic Progressive Party was the big winner on Saturday.
South African President Jacob Zuma starts a state visit to China. During his four-day visit, Zuma will hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and National People's Congress chairman Zhang Dejiang . The visit will focus on strengthening ties between the two countries. The two sides will also sign agreements covering politics, trade, energy, public health and agriculture. It is Zuma's first state visit since his re-election as president in May.
Foreign ministers from up to 60 countries forming the US-led coalition against Islamic State militants hold their first meeting at Nato headquarters in Brussels. It will be chaired by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Participants, including Australia, Britain, Canada and France, are expected to review progress in the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and discuss the coordination of future efforts against the jihadis.
Graft watchdog Transparency International releases its 20th annual corruption perceptions report on 175 countries. The report charts whether countries are doing better or worse in their efforts to combat corruption. Eyes in this part of the world will be on China's efforts, given the campaign by President Xi Jinping to stamp out corruption in various government agencies throughout the country. Hong Kong normally comes out well in the perceptions index.
Britain's financial chief George Osborne releases his half-yearly budget update and new fiscal forecasts amid criticism from the opposition for failing to reach pre-set goals. The autumn statement, as it is known, is expected to set out extra spending on the National Health Service, as well as a sizeable road building plan. It will set the stage for the next election, which is scheduled to take place in May.
The funeral takes place for the 25-year-old Australian cricketer in his home town in northern New South Wales. Hughes suffered a fatal blow from a cricket ball just behind his ear during a match between his team, South Australia, and New South Wales on November 25.
