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PROD

Hagel tour stresses pivot back to Asia-Pacific
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a Southeast Asian tour meant to stress Washington's so-called "pivot" back towards the Asia-Pacific. After a stop in Malaysia, Hagel heads to Indonesia and then Brunei for a gathering of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Discord in the South China Sea is expected to feature in talks on Wednesday and Thursday. Hagel is to meet his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Wanquan , on the sidelines.
 
Domestic helper to testify in abuse case
An Indonesian domestic helper allegedly assaulted by her employers will testify at the District Court. The court last week heard that Tai Chi-wai, 42, and his wife, Catherine Au Yuk-shan, 41, forced Kartika Puspitasari to put on a diaper then tied her to a chair before leaving her without water or food while the family went on a five-day holiday to Thailand. The couple deny charges of false imprisonment, assault and six counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
 
Legislature to consider series of draft laws
China's legislature convenes its bimonthly session which runs until Friday. The National People's Congress Standing Committee will consider a series of draft laws, including the draft asset appraisal law, and amendments to trademark law and consumer protection law.
 
Japan moves towards a national security council
Senior Japanese officials will visit the US and Britain for talks with members of their national security councils to prepare for the creation of a similar institution in Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government hopes to strengthen the premier's grip on foreign policy in the face of North Korean missile threats and a territorial dispute with China. The current security council of nine ministers has been criticised as being too cumbersome.
 
Hope for tenants in subdivided flats
The Commission on Poverty will hold its last meeting before the poverty summit on September 28, when the official poverty line will be announced. Members will be presented with an analysis of characteristics of the poor population. Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has said the meeting would also study if anything can be done to help tenants in subdivided flats in industrial buildings, who have been excluded from the Community Care Fund because their living space is illegal.
 
Nadal biggest threat to Murray's Open hopes
Wimbledon tennis champion Andy Murray faces an assault on his US Open title from a rejuvenated Rafael Nadal and world No1 Novak Djokovic. Murray ended Britain's 76-year wait for a Grand Slam men's champion by triumphing over Djokovic last year, but his biggest threat this year is likely to be Nadal who is tipped to win his second US Open after returning from injury in spectacular form.


Talking points

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Andy Murray

Opinion

Comment

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...


US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a Southeast Asian tour meant to stress Washington's so-called "pivot" back towards the Asia-Pacific. After a stop in Malaysia, Hagel heads to Indonesia and then Brunei for a gathering of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
