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.
Faced with outrage over irregularities in unfinished flood control work, which culminated in the Trillion Peso March, the social arm of the Philippine Catholic Church has signed a memorandum with the government that provides for the direct involvement of parishes in monitoring construction sites. “Beyond criticism, we hope to give moral guidance,” Bishop Bagaforo says.
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.
Appeal launched to AsiaNews by Bishop Bernardus Bofitwos Baru and addressed to President Prabowo and the commander of the armed forces. Last week, more than 15 people died in an army attack on the village of Soanggama, which is in the hands of separatists. A conflict fuelled ‘by investors' interests and the exploitation of natural resources’. The warning to priests: do not be afraid to denounce the ‘armed wolves’.
