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Kusu News 30-Apr-2021

IP protection and supply chain resilience are key to Singapore's attractiveness: Chan Chun Sing

21-Apr-2021 The Business Times

 

SINGAPORE'S ability to protect intellectual property and assure multinational companies of supply chain resilience are key factors that draw companies to locate here, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing during his visit to 3M Singapore on Monday.

Singapore-based manufacturers and distribution centres were able to continue exporting essential products and medical supplies to the global market despite the pandemic because the country was able to remain open and connected, Mr Chan said

Multinational corporation 3M, which produces a range of products from adhesives to electronic components to healthcare equipment, was able to ensure a consistent supply of N95 respirators to healthcare workers locally and in the region.

"When the pandemic hit, many of the supply chains were disrupted. We immediately swung into action with 3M," said Mr Chan. "We started looking for alternative suppliers to diversify our reliance on any particular local or regional source."

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Australia warns of ‘drums of war’ after China slams country for Taiwan comments

28-Apr-2021 Intellasia | TaiwanNews | 

Tensions are continuing to ratchet up as Beijing criticises Canberra for stating that conflict over Taiwan is possible and as Australia warns the “drums of war” are beating louder.

In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) on Sunday (April 25), Australian Defence minister Peter Dutton said a conflict with China over Taiwan “should not be discounted.” He added that Beijing has been increasingly clear about its “reunification” ambitions toward Taiwan.

In response, Chinese foreign ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin demanded that Australia recognised the “sensitivity of the Taiwan issue” and “abide by ‘one-China’ principle.” He also called on Canberra to not send any “false signals of ‘Taiwan independence’” and to do more to boost peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Sino-Australian relations.”

The war of words continued on Tuesday (April 27), when The Australian released a commentary by Department of Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo in which he wrote, “In a world of perpetual tension and dread, the drums of war beat sometimes faintly and distantly, and at other times more loudly and ever closer.” Ominously, he added that although the nation should continue to search for peace amid heightened militarisation in the region, it should brace for “the curse of war.”

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ASEAN’s Next Steps for Ending the Myanmar Crisis

ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar has the potential to push the warring parties onto the path of peaceful dialogue.
29-Apr-2021 The Diplomat

In general, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognizes that engaging with the Myanmar military as an actor and institution is necessary for the resolution of the country’s present crisis and the future stability of Myanmar. This understanding was what convinced ASEAN to convene a special summit on Myanmar on April 24, and extend an invitation to junta leader Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. The Southeast Asian bloc has made the difficult-to-swallow but workable decision to interact with the very party whose seizure of power on February 1 triggered the ongoing political crisis.

As a result of these efforts, the meeting reached what has been described as a “firm” consensus, indicating Min Aung Hlaing’s acceptance of five points agreed during the summit: the “immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and for all parties to exercises utmost restraint; future commencement of constructive dialogue between all parties in the interests of the people; the appointment of a special envoy to facilitate mediation of the dialogue process with the assistance of the ASEAN Secretary-General; the provision of humanitarian assistance through the AHA Center; and planned visit for the special envoy and delegation to meet with all parties concerned.”

Both the organization of the summit and its result have been controversial. Those highlighting the human rights situation in Myanmar remain adamant that of the summit risks legitimizing the perpetrator of the coup. Those inclined to follow ASEAN processes have commended the progress made by the bloc and its willingness to communicate its views directly to Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta, in addition to the commitments created by the five-point consensus. Indeed, some have described the meeting as a breakthrough.

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US sounds alarm over HK ‘exit ban’ fears

30-Apr-2021 Intellasia | AFP | 

The United States said Thursday it was “deeply concerned” by a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city, raising fears Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed there.

The law was passed on Wednesday by a city legislature now devoid of opposition, as Beijing seeks to quash dissent and make the semi-autonomous city more like the authoritarian mainland following huge and often violent democracy protests.

It grants the immigration chief powers to bar people from boarding planes to and from the city.

A new immigration law in Hong Kong includes powers to stop people leaving the city state (Bangkok Post)

A new immigration law in Hong Kong includes powers to stop people leaving the city state (Bangkok Post)

“We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

“We have long standing concerns about the PRC’s arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures,” the spokesperson added.

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