Asia fears Clinton's stick

Article Abstract:

Pres Clinton's advocacy of managed trade to restore balance in US-Japan trade relations is alarming some members of the Assn of South East Asian Nations (Asean). Malaysia, Thailand and other Asean members suspect that Clinton's tough policy indicates weakened US support for free trade. The governments of these countries fear that the US may use trade sanctions against them if such tactics prove successful against the Japanese. Malaysia advocates an East Asian Economic Caucus, including Japan, as a protective measure.

United States, International relations, International trade, United States foreign relations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations

---

Sticky points: Sabah fears erosion of state rights

Article Abstract:

There is much conflict between the federal government in Malaysia and the opposition state government of Sabah over the issue of Sabah's rights. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad has called for a reassessment of the 1963 Twenty Points agreement that grants special status and rights to the Borneo state of Sabah. Members of Sabah's ruling party the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) fear that Sabah's special status is threatened and its economic development, which is only half the national average, would decline.

Sabah, Malaysia

---

Crossed lines: Thailand and Vietnam clash over fishing rights

Article Abstract:

A fracas between Vietnamese and Thai vessels on May 31, 1995, highlighted the two countries' competing claims to coastal waters just days before scheduled bilateral talks on that issue. Vietnam seized five of six Thai fishing boats it claimed were in its own territorial waters and claims Thailand responded with a naval attack and warplanes. Thailand says it sent one ship, which was attacked by the Vietnamese, who were in Thai waters. Malaysia and Burma have also seized Thai boats in the past two months.

Thailand, Vietnam, Thai foreign relations, Vietnamese foreign relations, Fishery policy

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Money grows on trees: in cashews, Vietnam finds a lucrative business. Tug on the reins
• Abstracts: Parking spaces: mainland Chinese seek discrete home for funds. The minidisc drive
• Abstracts: Coast of good hope: Thailand's Eastern Seaboard plan yields results. New rules, but old attitudes
• Abstracts: The tree factory: Thai group plans China plantation. The inspector calls: China plans wide-ranging tax reform
• Abstracts: Seoul as suitor. Out of chaos, profits: Goldstar's new washing machine has rivals sweating

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.