In today's bulletin: The unrest in Hong Kong has hit the 100-day mark; Solomon Islands cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China; the Indonesian president vows to take firm action on haze; and more.
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HONG KONG PROTESTS HIT A MILESTONE
Today marks 100 days since an estimated 1 million took to the streets of Hong Kong in a mass rally against a controversial extradition bill on June 9. In the months since, the movement has evolved. What started out as largely peaceful soon descended into regular bouts of violence. Protesters and police were involved in now weekly violent clashes. Through it all, Hong Kong paid a heavy price - tourism numbers plunged, the economy took a hit and families were torn apart. It's impossible to recap everything, but today Asian Insider will focus on pieces that look at the key question from those watching the Hong Kong protests: How does this end?
The Straits Times Editorial: Responding to Hong Kong protesters
A city divided as more take sides amid growing unrest
Beijing waiting for tide of public opinion to turn against protesters
See also: Latest reports on Hong Kong
Carrie Lam says PR firms declined to help restore Hong Kong's image
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says public dialogue aimed at easing tensions to begin next week
Hong Kong digital banks launch faces delay due to protests: Sources
SOLOMON ISLANDS SWITCHES SIDES
The Solomon Islands, an archipelago in the South Pacific, became the latest country to ditch ties with Taiwan in favour of China. It is the sixth country to do so since President Tsai ing-wen took office in Taiwan in 2016 and ramps up pressure on her ahead of polls in January. Because China claims Taiwan as its territory and says Taiwan has no right to formal ties with any nation, Taiwan only had formal relations with 17 countries (16 now), many of them small, less developed including Belize and Nauru. After the announcement of Solomon's switch, Taiwan accused China of luring allies away with promises of aid and loans. China rejects the accusations.
Reaction from China to Solomon islands' decision:
China 'highly appreciates' Solomon Islands' diplomatic break with Taiwan
Solomons to have 'unprecedented' development opportunities, China says
HAZE UPDATE: JOKOWI VISITS HOTSPOT
As the haze continued to choke residents across South-east Asia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged firm action, ordering a crackdown on individuals and companies responsible for the forest fires as well as adding troops and firefighters to the effort to put out the blaze. With weather forecasted to remain dry, there is growing concern that this year could see a repeat of the month-long haze of 2015 which ended up costing Indonesia's economy over $20 billion.
The latest on the haze:
Indonesia sends more people, aircraft to battle forest fires
In Pictures: Haze spreads across South-east Asia
Respiratory illness spikes, travel affected as haze hits South-east Asia
INDONESIA PASSES CONTROVERSIAL REVISIONS TO ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY
Another story out of Indonesia today, the country's lawmakers caught nearly everyone by surprise when it voted unanimously to approve a law that many fear would undermine the anti-graft agency's powers to tackle corruption . One of the key provisions places the the Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK,under the supervision of an external board. The move is being seen as the government moving to rein in the KPK, which has previously launched many investigations involving members of parliament.
What is the KPK: Graft-busters with solid reputation and near-perfect conviction rate
SIGNS OF LIFE DESPITE ANOTHER DIP IN SINGAPORE EXPORTS
Singapore's non-oil exports fell another 8.9 per cent in August compared to a year but this provided a significantly cheerier outlook than other recent reports. The numbers broke a five-month streak of double-digit declines and economists say this may suggest the rate of contraction may be starting to narrow. The numbers also suggested that the impact of the trade war might be starting to be felt in the US. Though Singapore's exports to China rebounded, , its exports to the US dropped 15 per cent.
A look at recent economic numbers from Singapore:
Slide in Singapore non-oil exports slows to 8.9% drop in August
Singapore business confidence hits near 2-year low in Q4
Singapore July non-oil exports drop 11.2% in 5th month of double digit contraction
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Thailand mourns popular panda: Zoo staff in northern Thailand have donned black and white clothing and observed a minute of silence to mourn the sudden death of their popular male giant panda, who was on long-term loan from China.
Kashmir: A former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, seen as being pro-India, has been formally arrested under a law allowing him to be held for up to two years without charge, the authorities said on Tuesday (Sept 17).the key highlights of the past 100 days.
Israel heads to the polls: Israelis began voting on Tuesday (Sept 17) in an unprecedented second general election in just over five months, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making another attempt at extending his premiership.
54 hours swimming: US endurance swimmer Sarah Thomas has become the first person to swim across the English Channel four times without stopping, refuelling only on a liquid formula during her 54-hour feat.
That's it for today. Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow.
- Jeremy
