China's orientation is an important step forward. China's commitment to building a modern market economy and safeguarding a vibrant economic system in the region will support and strengthen the multilateral trade platform. Alignment with global economic standards will also enhance regional economic stability and cooperation.
The emphasis on the rule of law is particularly encouraging, as it is a key element in establishing China as a reliable and constructive partner in trade, investment and regional diplomacy. Such efforts are essential to fostering trust and cooperation between China and Southeast Asia.
Malaysia will be at the center of these efforts as it takes over the ASEAN chairmanship next year, and it is crucial for Malaysia to keep an eye on developments as China is Malaysia's largest trading partner and a key source of foreign direct investment.
China's reforms are expected to stimulate economic growth and strong Chinese economic performance generally leads to increased demand for Malaysian exports. The outcomes of China's reforms will contribute to greater regional economic integration and stability, which will in turn be beneficial to Malaysia's economic development.
We are optimistic about the transformative potential of China's reform agenda. With its focus on modernization, compliance and international engagement, China's efforts are aligned with the broader goal of regional stability and prosperity. These reforms will benefit both China and Southeast Asia while contributing to greater regional economic integration and resilience, but it remains to be seen whether they will come together quickly enough to effectively implement ASEAN's agenda during Malaysia's chairmanship.
Kat W. Wong, Director, Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Studies
Boys' Love is a genre that cannot be ignored
Refers to the letter, “Whether we like it or not, Chinese 'boys' love' novels are popular in the West” (July 26th).
I agree with our correspondent that boys' love is becoming more popular outside of mainland China, and the genre is gradually gaining global attention.
When I first moved to Guangzhou, two male anime characters in period costumes caught my eye everywhere: they were printed on drink cans, sold as merchandise in toy stores, and even had pop-up stores dedicated to the characters. I didn't pay them much attention at the time, though, and just assumed they were some kind of anime, like Naruto or Dou Lao, that were popular in mainland China.
I first discovered they were characters from a boys' love series called “The Blessing of Heavenly Officials” when I went to Xiamen for work and saw an entire Lawson convenience store decorated with these two male characters. I then saw them again while wandering around Singapore.
The Boys Love genre is no longer just a subculture, but an industry targeting a specific demographic of female consumers willing to spend money on any product, an export of Chinese culture, and a display of China's soft power. Like it or not, Boys Love is an emerging genre that cannot be ignored, and it has created a niche market.
Anson Chan, Guangzhou
Just listening
Hong Kong's property market is in a dire state, despite all the government's measures and good intentions.
Some lucky developers are finding financing to complete their projects, albeit at high interest rates. Notably, the lenders are private capital rather than banks.
Is it too much to ask for the government to bail out some of its developers whose projects are nearly complete when it was brave enough to bail out Cathay Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped the airline weather the storm and is now paying the government back?
Alternatively, China could temporarily halt subsidized apartment construction and instead buy up private housing projects from troubled developers at fair prices to stabilize the real estate market and construction industry, which could benefit both the people and the government.
Joseph Chang, Founding Partner and Director of Oriental Patron
