Politics
In a country in dire need of a shared dream, unprecedented unity across most ethnicities is emerging.
Asean members stand to benefit as Beijing secures its supply chains. But amid the US-China competition smaller countries risk getting ‘trapped’ in China’s orbit.
The decision was made after rights group Safeguard Defenders expressed its concern over the Chinese channels’ history of airing allegedly forced confessions.
Analysts say Manila’s planned acquisition of the world’s fastest supersonic missiles will boost its ability to defend its coastal areas.
Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s tougher language on the killings has earned plaudits, though rights groups point out the island nation still has ties to the junta.
Louis Ng of the People’s Action Party visited a hawker centre last June and posted photographs of himself holding a placard that read ‘support them’.
Pakistani leader Imran Khan’s trip to Colombo – and his offer of a role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – has caused some alarm in New Delhi.
Tokyo has undertaken the initiative amid fears it is being overtaken by Beijing and Seoul, whose citizens have been considered for top UN and World Trade Organization roles.
Close to four in 10 say they have been treated ‘differently or less favourably’ due to their heritage, while some in the community have criticised the survey’s approach.
‘It used to be a word of appreciation but now it carries derogatory meanings. It seems that being friendly to China has become a sin and mistake in Australia.’
Malaysia and other Asean states have urged Myanmar to return to the negotiating table, rather than escalate the situation.
‘The real question is why did India agree to this now?’
Analysts say the international community has to coordinate their response to the coup and put pressure on the junta, while regional efforts are also seen as vital, particularly from the likes of India or Japan.
Workers at Philippine General Hospital among first to receive jab, but physicians’ group says 95 per cent are opposed to it.
Top diplomat Vivian Balakrishnan says the 10-member bloc can still play a role in facilitating ‘a return to normalcy and stability in Myanmar’.