TODAY’s brief, Tuesday, June 23

Amos Yee in the spotlight

The case of blogger Amos Yee will be heard in court again today (June 22), with the judge to rule on whether he is mentally or physically suited for reformative training. Amos was convicted of posting an obscene image online and posting content intended to hurt the religious feelings of Christians. The 16-year-old earlier had rejected the probation term sought by prosecutors by refusing to attend interviews with a probation officer. Reformative training is a more severe sentencing option for offenders aged below 21 and are found to be unsuitable for probation. The offender will be kept in an institution for at least 18 months to undergo structured rehabilitation programmes, including foot drills and counselling. A judge can impose this sentence even if an offender does not consent to it.

Medishield Life Household Income

Today is the last day for the public to complete the MediShield Life Household Income check, if they wish to ensure they receive subsidies based on the latest household income information. The deadline was extended from June 19 to allow more to complete the checks. Those who do not update their information will still get subsidies if eligible, based on existing government records.

United States-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue

The annual United States-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue begins today in Washington, during which US Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew will meet with Chinese Vice-premier Wang Yang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Both countries are expected to discuss trade, climate change, and thorny issues including the South China Sea and cyber security. The two-day dialogue is in preparation of US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Washington summit in September.

Philippines and Japan joint naval drills

The Philippines and Japan are carrying out joint naval drills today on a Filipino island near the disputed Spratlys in the South China Sea, much to the annoyance of neighbouring China. China’s Xinhua news agency condemned Japan’s participation, calling it “meddling” and “muddying the waters”. The Philippines is simultaneously carrying out separate naval exercises with the United States, as it looks to be stepping up its security cooperation with allies following China’s recent assertiveness in the contested waters.

Typhoon Kujira hits China’s Hainan province

Torrential rains and strong winds continue to batter China’s Hainan province today after Typhoon Kujira made landfall last evening. Although more than 40,000 people have been evacuated from the province and over 20,000 fishing boats have been called back to harbour, the typhoon is said to help ease Hainan’s worst drought in more than half a century.

Weather forecast

Partly cloudy skies are expected today. Temperatures are likely to range between 26°C and 34°C.