They could seek to cement their dominant position in coming years, according to new research. The work by academic Xue Gong and published by Singapore’s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute this week sheds light on a little-examined element of rising tensions across the vital trade route, showing extensive work by Chinese SOEs in developing infrastructure and tourism, as well as oil and gas, some in hotly disputed areas. Some experts and regional diplomats believe the strong commercial presence could further complicate any future regional solution should Beijing, which research shows has encouraged firms to operate, protect them politically and militarily. China’s state-owned enterprises operated in a complex and often opaque environment, serving national strategic interests as they sought new opportunities, Gong told Reuters. “They cannot operate independently but they are ultimately opportunists and when the policy environment is favorable, then they will go for it. And we … [Read more...] about China’s state firms cementing lucrative role in South China Sea, new research shows
Moving services across states
Minister outlines measures to improve primary health care services
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien announced a set of measures to enhance the quality of health care services at commune-level medical stations during an event on July 16. These include improving the capacity of medical workers; finding new operation methods; investing in human resources and facilities; applying information technology; designing special financial regimes; and enhancing communication work, said Tien at the opening of a training course on chronic disease care at commune-level medical stations held in Ho Chi Minh City. In the future, services for the treatment, control, and prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases – like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases – will be predominantly delivered by medical stations at ward and commune levels. A large network of ward- and commune-level medical stations have been set up across the country but the health … [Read more...] about Minister outlines measures to improve primary health care services
Vietnam busts US$26 million online betting ring: State media
Vietnamese police broke up an online football gambling ring worth around US$26 million, arresting four people as authorities look to stop black market betting that surges during sporting events like the ongoing World Cup. This picture taken on Jun 14, 2016, shows men watching a live broadcast of Euro2016 on a large screen at an open air coffee bar in downtown Hanoi. (Photo: AFP/HOANG DINH NAM) Gambling is illegal in Vietnam apart from the state-run lottery and a few casinos which are only open to foreigners. But the law is widely flouted, especially during top-tier sports competitions when many punters head online or to illegal gambling dens to try their luck. The four people were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday (Jun 22), according to a report published the same day in the police's official Cong An Nhan Dan newspaper. Several others were also summoned for questioning. The suspects allegedly admitted to operating transactions through a website hosted in the Philippines. … [Read more...] about Vietnam busts US$26 million online betting ring: State media
Zuckerberg unveils plans for Facebook dating service
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday (May 1) the world's largest social network will soon include a new dating feature - while vowing to make privacy protection its top priority in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the F8 Facebook Developers conference in San Jose, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP) Zuckerberg unveiled the plans as he addressed Facebook's annual developers conference in San Jose, California - emphasising that the focus would be on helping people find long-term partners. "This is going to be for building real, long-term relationships, not just hook-ups," Zuckerberg said in presenting the new feature, noting that one in three marriages in the United States start online - and that some 200 million Facebook users identify as being single. Under the new feature, users will be able to create a separate "dating" profile not visible to their network of friends, with potential … [Read more...] about Zuckerberg unveils plans for Facebook dating service
Green bonds prop up state eco fund
In a push towards a sustainable future, the private sector must spotlight green projects, Photo: Le Toan Great capital demand According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global capital demand for implementing sustainable development goals is estimated at $5-7 trillion a year, with a $2.5 trillion annual financing gap for key infrastructure sectors and related areas in developing markets. In a bid to shift Vietnam’s economic growth into a sustainable lane from its current carbon-intensive and environmentally-unfriendly expansion, the country would need roughly $30.7 billion by 2020 and possibly $21.2 billion for the following 10 years to support its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INC), according to the German development agency GIZ. Some 30 per cent of the credit requirement for green growth would come from the state budget, consisting of central and provincial funds as well as official development assistance (ODA), whilst the remainder will have to be … [Read more...] about Green bonds prop up state eco fund