Growing Sino-Malaysian relations

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, May 30, 2014. (Photo by AFP)

These are some of the headlines we are tracking for you in this episode of On the News Line:

Growing Sino-Malaysian relationship

The Malaysian government is planning to sign a contract to purchase naval vessels from China when Prime Minister Najib Razak visits Beijing next week. The purchase, which would be Malaysia's first significant defense deal with China, comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and as Washington is seeking to extend its influence in the region, it is seen as a blow to US efforts in the region.

Most oppressed minority

They have been described as one of the most persecuted minority groups in the world. Rohingya Muslims are again facing systematic ethnic cleansing. Despite living in Myanmar for hundreds of years, the Rohingyas are classified as stateless people by Myanmar’s government. They have been refused citizenship, having no right to employment, education and even free movement.

Abbas isolation

Reports say Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is increasingly becoming isolated, with Mohammed Dahlan stepping up pressure against him from one side and Israel’s minister for military affairs Avigdor Lieberman threatening him from the other. This has led some to speculate that Abbas’s grip on power is loosening. Abbas has always been wary of Dahlan, a former Fatah leader. But what many see as paranoia toward Dahlan on the part of Abbas seems to be justified. He stands accused of secretly trying to undermine Abbas to take over Fatah.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku