Hello.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement this week that he will run for re-election in 2024 has received lukewarm response, as most American voters believe the 80-year-old leader should not run again. Neither is there appetite for another Biden vs Trump showdown, which polls indicate the US is heading towards.
Disappointed in Washington’s antagonism towards China and slow progress on trade agreements, Southeast Asian countries are also unenthusiastic about the possibility of another Biden term, says Yale-NUS College’s Trisha Craig.
In the meantime, China is seeking diplomatic credibility in Europe. Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (Apr 26) for the first time since Russia’s invasion, appealing for peace talks between Moscow and Ukraine. Given their close relationship, Xi can offer Russian President Vladimir Putin a seat at the negotiation table without the latter losing face, says former diplomat James Carouso.
In Singapore, yet another round of property cooling measures was announced late Wednesday night, with hikes in additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) for foreigners and second-time Singapore buyers. Real estate consultant Ku Swee Yong says the timing feels odd given sluggish macroeconomic conditions and easing pressures on residential and rental markets.
Have you or a loved one caught COVID-19 recently? A fresh wave of COVID-19 in Singapore could see more reinfection cases, increasing the risk of long COVID. With much still unknown about the condition, its burden on healthcare systems may be hidden, says infectious diseases doctor Loh Jiashen.
We hope you enjoy our selection of commentaries this week.
Erin Low
Commentary, CNA Digital
.jpg?itok=fHkrjj4c "Like the US, Asia is less than enthusiastic about another Biden term 35")
