According to Lianhe Zaobao, recently, ASEAN——JapanFriendly cooperationThe 50th Anniversary Summit was held at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, JapanBoth sides at the summitAdopting《ASEAN Japan Friendship and Cooperation Joint Vision Statement and Vision Implementation Plan.

According to the vision statement,aseanWe will strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan through three pillars: a cross generational heart to heart partnership, a partnership to jointly create the future economy and society, and a partnership to maintain peace and stability. Both parties have made a commitment to implement a common vision130 implementation plans. Among them, in the economyIn terms of social aspects,aseanJapan will enhance the capabilities of micro and small and medium-sized enterprises, address vulnerable points that may lead to supply chain disruptions, and strengthen economic security and resilience.stayIn terms of peace and stability, Japan andaseanAgree to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain maritime safety and security, and establish a maritime order based on the rule of law,ensureFreedom of navigation and overflight, as well as smooth commercial activitiesWait.

military affairs

01Hamas's largest tunnel exposure to date

Gaza News: Recently, the Israeli Defense Forces in GazaA huge underground tunnel of Hamas has been discovered in the north, with the largest scale ever discovered, indicating that the network of Hamas tunnels may be even larger and more complex than expected by Israel. The tunnel is only 400 meters away from the Erez crossing in northern Gaza, which borders Israel. It is over 4 kilometers long and about 50 meters deep underground. In some areas, it is still sufficient for vehicles to pass through.

The Israeli military analyzed that this tunnel has multiple branches and is equipped with facilities such as electricity, sewage treatment, railways, communication networks, etc. It will take millions of dollars and years to complete. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the tunnel extends into Israeli territory, and the Israeli military has not found any evidence ofThere are signs of hostages being detained, but a large number of weapons have been found inside the tunnel. The Israeli military believes that this tunnel has significant strategic significance for Hamas and believes that using it to move armed personnel is also the starting point for carrying out attacks.

The Jerusalem Post pointed out that the discovery of this tunnel means that the main Israeli offensive against Gaza is expected to take place next yearAfter the end of January, they may have to stay in Gaza for a longer period of time to completely destroy Hamas's tunnel network. Meanwhile, it is expected that the Israeli side will also investigate why military intelligence units were previously unaware of the existence of this huge tunnel.

According to London, after a series of setbacks in proposals from Western countries to provide military aid to Ukraine, officials from the G7 have begun discussing the use of partially frozen Russian funds to assist Ukraine. Once implemented, this proposal will open a new chapter in the Western financial war against Russia.

It is reported that Russia has approximately$300 billion in sovereign assets have been frozen by the West, mainly concentrated in Europe. Previously, the G7 had repeatedly threatened to use Russian assets to aid Ukraine, but due to concerns about the international legal protection enjoyed by sovereign assets and concerns that this may lead to holding US dollarsForeign investors who withdraw from Euro assets are therefore hesitant to act rashly. A US official revealed that the authorities are actively discussing the confiscation of Russian assets, and the UK has also stated that they believe there is a "legitimate way" to confiscate Russian assets. They have also stated that if other G7 allies cannot be convinced, the UK may join forces with the US to seize Russian assets.

01Starting next year, Malaysia will impose taxes on online shopping of overseas goods

Lianhe Zaobao reported that recently, the Malaysian Customs Bureau announced that the authorities would levy taxes on low value goods sold on the Internet from January 1, 2024. All goods with a price not exceeding RM500 will be subject to a 10% tax rate, including goods entering Malaysia by land, sea or air; Cigarettes, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, electronic cigarettes, and preparations used for smoking are not taxed under this tax system.

According toJie, the Malaysian government isThe 2022 fiscal budget has already proposed a low value commodity consumption tax, aimed at providing a fair competitive environment for goods manufactured in Malaysia. The government expects to receive an annual revenue of RM200 million from this tax. The Malaysian side emphasizes that this measure only applies to imported goods sold online, and goods produced within Malaysia will not be affected, which will help improve the competitiveness of local goods.