China slowdown to hurt Singapore most in Southeast Asia
China's economic expansion has been a powerhouse for regional and global growth, boosting other countries' economies with demand for commodities and other imports. Now the reverse is happening - its slowdown is dragging down growth across the region.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore could be the worst hit, with a 1 percentage point fall in China's economic growth subtracting 1.4 percentage points from Singapore's, according to estimates from Australia & New Zealand Banking Group.
China is the nation's largest export destination, taking almost 15 per cent of shipments. Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam will be less affected, Glenn Maguire, ANZ chief economist for South Asia, Southeast Asia and Pacific, said in a Jan 6 note, using a sensitivity index based on the past decade of data. Read more here.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force to cover more of South China Sea: Sources
The Defence Ministry and the Self-Defence Forces have decided that Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft returning home from anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia will give priority to stopping along the way at bases of countries facing the South China Sea, including the Philippines and Vietnam, according to sources.
The P-3C has advanced monitoring capabilities, and the decision is expected to increase the area of the South China Sea that they fly over - areas which China claims as its territory.
It could also be said the move will contribute to the protection of freedom of overflight and allow Japan to support US patrols in its own way, around artificial islands being built by China. Read more here.
Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej recovering from infection, swollen lung - palace
Thailand's 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej is recovering from a blood infection and swollen lung, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement on Sunday.
The world's longest-serving monarch has been in hospital since the end of May and received treatment for several illnesses. Nervousness over his health and the succession has played into a decade of bitter political division in the Southeast Asian nation.
The king has had fever for more than two weeks and a recent X-ray showed swelling in his lung and right knee, the palace statement said. He has also received antibiotics for a blood infection, it said. Read more here.
Football: Chelsea ease into 4th round of FA Cup with win over Scunthorpe
Diego Costa ended another troubled week on a high note as the striker put Chelsea on course for the FA Cup fourth round with the opener in their 2-0 win over third tier Scunthorpe on Sunday.
Costa and team-mate Oscar almost came to blows before being separated by their fellow players after an aggressive knee-high tackle on the Spain striker by his Brazilian colleague sparking a furious exchange during a training session this week.
Blues interim boss Guus Hiddink had tried to laugh off the incident, but the ugly scene was the latest controversial moment involving the temperamental Costa and threatened to cast a shadow over the start of Chelsea's bid to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2012. Read more here.
Football: Late Harry Kane penalty keeps Spurs in FA Cup with 2-2 draw against Leicester
Substitute Harry Kane earned Tottenham Hotspur a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester City on Sunday with an 89th-minute penalty that kept his side in the FA Cup.
Spurs took an early lead through Christian Eriksen in the third-round tie, before goals from Marcin Wasilewski and half-time substitute Shinji Okazaki put Leicester in control.
But after Nathan Dyer was adjudged to have handled the ball in the closing stages, England striker Kane, 22, slammed home a late spot-kick to take his Tottenham tally to 50 goals. Read more here.
