Talking points

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

Stephen Lam, Eva Cheng chat live on policy address

Hong Kong's least popular government official, Stephen Lam Sui-lung, who is now the administration's chief secretary, and Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng will be interviewed live on RTHK Radio 1's Talkabout programme and have live discussions with listeners from 8am to 10am.

Japanese kingmaker Ozawa back in court

Ichiro Ozawa, powerbroker of the Democratic Party of Japan, faces his second session in court charged with violating fund-raising laws. Feisty Ozawa, Japan's most controversial politician, pleaded not guilty last week to violating fund-raising laws. Ozawa, 69, who has played a pivotal political role for four decades, said the charges were aimed at destroying him 'politically and socially'. The trial, which comes after three former aides were found guilty of fund-raising violations, follows a series of political setbacks that suggest Ozawa's still considerable influence is diminishing.

Berlusconi faces vote of no confidence

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government faces a confidence vote amid pressure over corruption and sex scandals and the government's erratic handling of the economic crisis. Berlusconi said yesterday a collapse of his centre-right coalition now would be catastrophic for the country and its economy. He has accused the left-wing opposition of 'obsessively' seeking to drive him from office. Analysts say that even if Berlusconi wins, he will emerge so bruised that it will only be a matter of months before a new crisis hits and that the country will probably hold elections next year, a year before they are scheduled.

Inflation figures tipped to show improvement

The central government is scheduled to unveil inflation figures for the third quarter. The mainland registered year-on-year consumer price inflation of 6.2 per cent in August but Premier Wen Jiabao declared last month that price rises were coming under control after months of rises. The State Council's decision early this week to introduce a new nationwide resource tax regime is also considered by some analysts to be a sign of Beijing's confidence that inflation has been brought under control.

Wen meets Japanese economy and trade minister

Premier Wen Jiabao meets visiting Japanese Economy and Trade Minister Yukio Edano in Guangzhou, according to Japanese media. It would be the first meeting between the Chinese leadership and a member of the new Japanese cabinet under Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Edano started his three-day visit yesterday. The China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, runs in Guangzhou from tomorrow to November 4.

Springboks fans maintain the rage against referee

It's been five days since Australia knocked champions South Africa out of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, but there is no sign that livid Springboks supporters are willing to forgive New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence (pictured). Thousands are still flooding an online petition to have him banned from the game. The debate over refereeing performances is likely to continue as the tournament approaches its climax.