Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Beijing honours 20 years of diplomacy in Central Asia
Chen Zhili , vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, starts a 10-day visit to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Chen (pictured) is visiting the Central Asian countries as the special envoy of President Hu Jintao to celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Beijing. China has been extending its influence in the region through the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, and is also eager to expand its access to Central Asian oil and natural gas.
Housing Authority previews 2012-13 budget
The Housing Authority will brief the media on its proposed budget for the 2012-2013 financial year. The city's provider of public housing and Home Ownership Scheme flats said last year that construction goals should be easier to meet over the next few years, thanks to a bigger-than-expected surplus. At the time, the authority estimated the surplus would shrink to HK$4.4 billion this year, dwindling further, to HK$3.7 billion, in 2015.
China welcomes envoy from Hanoi for talks
High-level talks will be held in Beijing between China and Vietnam, while Tong Thi Phong, vice-chairwoman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is visiting China until Sunday. The two countries have territorial disputes over the South China Sea. Tong is returning the visit made by Vice-President Xi Jinping to Hanoi before Christmas. The Chinese delegation's visit was accompanied by some embarrassment for the hosts, who handed out Chinese flags bearing one star too many (pictured).
