TODAY’s brief, Tuesday, July 19
CHINA STARTS MILITARY DRILLS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AGAIN
CHINA STARTS MILITARY DRILLS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AGAIN
In what may be an act of defiance, the Chinese maritime administration announced that military exercises will be held in the South China Sea, at an area off the east coast of Hainan province starting on Tuesday, adding that entrance to the exercise area will be “prohibited”. This, despite an an international tribunal ruling against the country’s sweeping claims in the disputed waters last week. However, the area identified is some distance from the Paracel islands and even further from the Spratlys, with both chains claimed by Beijing and several other neighbouring states.
SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA SIGN HIGH-SPEED RAIL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Three years after Singapore and Malaysia announced a plan for a historic High-Speed Rail (HSR) linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the two countries will formally kick off work with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be travelling to Putrajaya to join his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak in witnessing the signing ceremony.
ULTRAMARATHONERS BEGIN RACE IN THE PYRENEES
Singapore’s ultramarathoners embark on what they call the toughest challenge they’ve come across on Tuesday. However, one of the most taxing aspects of this one isn’t the distance, it’s the amount of nutrition they have to bring with them.
MAN UTD START THEIR ASIA TOUR
Manchester United kick off their Asia Tour to China on Tuesday, where Jose Mourinho’s men will play friendly matches against Borussia Dortmund (July 22) and Manchester City (July 25).
WEATHER FORECAST
Thundery showers with gusty wind over many areas in the predawn hours and early morning. Temperatures expected to range between 23°C and 32°C.