China-ASEAN Monitor

Malaysia largest exporter of palm oil to China in second half of 2016

Investment and Trade

Malaysia largest exporter of palm oil to China in second half of 2016
Malaysia has once again regained its spot as the largest exporter of palm oil to China, surpassing Indonesia’s exports in the second half of 2016. This was announced by the Malaysian Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, in the presence of the Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy to Malaysia, Ma Jia. In the first half of 2016 Malaysia only managed to export 647.1 metric tonnes of palm oil to China. However, in the second half this grew by 53.6% meaning Malaysia exported 993.9 metric tonnes in the period compared to Indonesia’s 993.2 metric tonnes. Mah claimed that this increase was due to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit to Beijing in early November 2016.
Source: The Star Online (3 February 2017)

 

Philippines and China to finalise the Six-Year Development Program on investment and trade
Filipino Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, said that the country will be submitting the formal letters to request for Chinese Government funding for 15 projects when delegates from the China arrive in the Philippines for a meeting in late February. The two countries have agreed to work together on 40 infrastructure projects of which 25 are yet to undergo feasibility studies. This is part of a Six-Year Development plan that the Filipino Finance Secretary aims to complete when Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng accompanied by a delegate of Chinese businessmen visit in late February.
Source: Inquirer.net (6 February 2017)
Source: Business World Online (6 February 2017)

 
 

China-ASEAN Relations

ASEAN to discuss code of conduct for South China Sea to ease tensions
The South China Sea (SCS) is still a source of tension despite improved ties between Philippines and China according to Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo. The recently mooted Code of Conduct agreed upon by senior officials in ASEAN and China will begin with discussion on two key areas: the non-militarisation of occupied features and restraint in the activities in the SCS. The discussions will be held from February 29 to March 2 in the ASEAN-China Working Group meeting in Boracay, Philippines.
Source: ABS CBN (6 February 2017)
Source: ABS CBN (6 February 2017)

 

Cambodian Prime Minister continues support for One-China policy by banning Taiwanese flag
In the latest move to support the One China policy, Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, banned the Taiwanese flag from being raised in the country. This was declared in his speech at the Cambodian-Chinese Association. However, he remains open to doing business with Taiwan. According to Taiwan’s Finance Ministry, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Cambodia reached about US$744 million in 2015.
Source: Cambodia Daily (6 February 2017)
Source: Taiwan News (6 February 2017)