For most fans and followers of US President Barrack Obama here in Hong Kong, it is well known that his half brother lives just across the border in Shenzhen.
Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo has made the special economic zone his home for the past seven years. In this interview with Dan Kadison, this once publicity-shy younger brother to the US president reveals a little more about himself.
Ndesandjo talks about domestic violence, his life in Shenzhen and his recently completed semi-autobiographic novel, Nairobi to Shenzhen. He also discusses President Obama's forthcoming visit to China and what it's been like living in Shenzhen. AUDIO AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP.
Shifts in military strategies and acquisitions may be the work of decades but recent weeks have a seen a number of significant developments that highlight the potential for future tension in East Asia. Vietnam, Australia and the US have all been involved in developments that are, in part, driven by China’s on-going military build-up.
Russian news reports reveal a deal is close between Hanoi and its major Cold War ally Moscow for Vietnam to buy six Kilo-class submarines. If confirmed, it will mark Vietnam’s first significant use of submarines – a move military analysts believe is a direct response to China’s increased naval activity in the South China Sea, the site of a long-simmering dispute over the strategic Spratly and Paracel archipelagoes.
Beijing’s construction of a state-of-the-art submarine base on the southern coast of Hainan Island has particularly alarmed Hanoi, analysts believe. AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
If you've been anywhere near Wanchai this week you'll know that the US navy is in town. Joining the USS Stennis battle group on official business, however, was also Admiral Timothy Keating. Yesterday, fresh from a trip from Thailand, he attended a press briefing at the US consulate in Mid-Levels.
The Asia-Pacific commander talked about whether he thought China's was transparent enough in its military development. His frank comments came three days before Hillary Clinton's first visit to China as secretary of state.
This podcast is a full unedited recording of the press briefing including questions from Greg Torode, the South China Morning Post's chief Asia correspondent. The Post was the only local Hong Kong newspaper present. AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
One of the participants in the recent Clinton Global Initiative was Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar. In this podcast, the head of state speaks to Greg Torode, the South China Morning Post's chief Asia correspondent.
Visiting Hong Kong last week, Mr Enkhbayar outlined a host of active plans, from continuing efforts to improve ties with neighbouring China and Russia, offers to the new US administration to court the recalcitrant North Korea, to the hosting of a regional climate change conference.
Diversifying and democratising in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Mongolia is considered diplomatically strategic, with Washington in particular keen to have influence. AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
The Clinton Global Initiative Asia meeting closed yesterday, after two days of discussion on the world's most pressing issues.
Former US president Bill Clinton told delegates that much had been accomplished, but stressed that the good work needed to continue. He warned the current financial crisis was no excuse but that it should instead spur leaders into doing more.
In his closing address, Mr Clinton expressed satisfaction with the achievements of his group's first Asian meeting, and also outlined hopes for the future.AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
