Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.
Yesterday, Dili officially became the 11th nation in the Southeast Asian bloc. The end of a 14-year journey was marked by a highly symbolic ceremony attended by all regional leaders. Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao was the last to add his signature. Challenges and responsibilities related to inclusion remain.
As Kuala Lumpur prepares to host the most important ASEAN summit in recent years on October 26, Malaysia has announced the construction of a 50-kilometer barrier in the state of Kelantan to combat criminal trafficking from Thailand. And the princess of Bangkok is donating funds for a wall on the border with Cambodia.
The Basel Action Network raises the issue in a report released just days before US President Trump takes part in the ASEAN summit. Experts believe Malaysia is the new dumping “mecca" for tonnes of e-waste, a business worth over a billion dollars, but with explosive environmental consequences.
Human Rights Watch is calling for a new investigation into the disappearance of the supporter of the opposition government-in-exile who went missing in Ampang (Malaysia). The advocacy group also warns of the risk of a possible transnational crackdown by Myanmar’s military junta. The activist fled in 2015 and was living under the protection of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Satellite images show US-sanctioned Russian tanker Perle, its transponders turned off for months, alongside another vessel 90 km off the east coast of Malaysia, in a likely ship-to-ship operation. According to Bloomberg, this is the first documented case of liquefied natural gas transfer. Russia’s energy strategy is turning towards Asia. The Arctic LNG 2 project has started to deliver gas to China.
