Many blamed the police for using excessive force as these people saw only a moment in online video clips or front-page photos of local newspapers. But as a witness at the scene, I must say these critics don’t know exactly what really happened. And they never thought about how suddenly the clashes erupted and how violent and dangerous the situation was.

About 8 pm on Sunday, about six police officers patrolled the blocks around Sha Tsui Road and Yi Pei Square in Tsuen Wan where a mob of rioters had just vandalized a mahjong shop. No suspects were found. Only some groups of onlookers who wanted to watch the video game Urban Reign for real stood on the sidewalks.

Suddenly, peace turned into chaos as several in the crowd shouted “Police gangsters!”

Within one minute, some black-clad and masked rioters dashed out. As they exclaimed “only a few cops are here”, more of the mob rushed onto the road; dozens of them became aggressive and began to assault a team of police officers with long metal pipes and bamboo poles.

The sudden change shocked me. From my camera’s viewfinder, I saw police officers surrounded by aggressive protesters and retreating more than 10 meters;then a gunshot pierced the air.

Most of the rioters stopped rushing forward immediately, but some still threw bricks at police officers.

I don’t know whether some rioters earlier hid in the crowds of residents or reporters on sidewalks and whether this was a premeditated attack, but what I am sure is that the mob vastly outnumbered police officers at the scene.

It is ironic that on the following day, almost all people cared about was whether it is necessary for police officers to draw pistols and why they pointed their service revolvers at the crowds. But no one asked or dared to question whether the rioters’ actions brought about this reaction. Who gave them the right to assault police officers, especially when the police did nothing?

On the same day, some protesters complained that the police’s dispersal operation was done too early as the lawful protest had not ended. Some residents even blamed the mayhem and the violence on the appearance of riot police.

However, as I have seen in the last three months, whenever protesters keep their marches to designated areas and there are no roadblocks or hurling of bricks, the police have always been restrained and not taken any firm action.

I think any reasonable person would be able to see who really lit the fuse sparking these violent clashes.

I’m grateful to my friends who kindly reminded me to be vigilant about “police gangsters” when reporting the protests. However, what made me more scared in recent demonstrations are not police officers, but gasoline bombs and bricks flying from all directions.

I cannot say the police force has always taken all action properly during this massive social unrest. But in my experience, most of the news or descriptions about the city’s police force are not true.

It is dangerous for the city that all eyes are fixed on issues relating to police actions while many people are misguided; they choose to turn a blind eye to provocations and violence by rioters.

Please stay rational and do not let prejudice, discontent and hatred influence your judgment.

Starting a dialogue does not mean we should condone violence. Just imagine, under the pretext of communication, we will tolerate all forms of violence in Hong Kong, that will be the end of the rule of law in Hong Kong. We want to end violence through law enforcement. But we will not give up building a platform for dialogue.

Lam was speaking to the press ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting and following spiralling violence on Sunday that saw police firing water cannon and volleys of tear gas in clashes with protesters who threw bricks and petrol bombs.

Making it clear that justice will be pursued to the end, Lam said police continued to use mininal force in the face of escalating violence.

Citing harassment of police families, Lam said: “I just cannot see the connection between protests and the protesters’ demands with harassment of police families. The young kids of police officers have to go back to school very soon. And, I hope each of us, especially the education sector, keeps in mind the possible bullying and harassment of children. And not just children from police families, but all children.”

Ruling out an independent commission to investigate police, Lam stressed her government had zero tolerance for violence and that officials were confident of handling the situation. “…I would not say that my government has lost control. We are acting responsibly to deal with issues that might arise. For example, I mentioned bullying in schools and an economic downturn. And I remain committed to serving the people of Hong Kong with humility,” the CE said.

The CE said senior officials were willing to take part in dialogues initiated by citizens but made it clear that engaging in dialogue didn’t signify tolerance for violence but a quest for reconciliation. “Starting a dialogue does not mean we should condone violence. Just imagine, under the pretext of communication, we will tolerate all forms of violence in Hong Kong, that will be the end of the rule of law in Hong Kong. We want to end violence through law enforcement. But we will not give up building a platform for dialogue,” she said.

The circular economy refers to an economic system that seeks to combat pollution and achieve sustainable development by reusing and recycling used products.

More than 1,500 delegates participated in the 10th annual Sustainable Development Symposium titled “Circular Economy: The Collaboration for Action”, organised by Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) in Bangkok.

Deirdre Boyd, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, said: “Accelerating natural resource extraction is placing a profound burden on the global environment.”

The circular economy promotes responsible consumption and production, which is the object of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and could have positive impacts on many of the other sustainable development goals, she said.

“[With] the reuse and recycling of materials throughout the economy, the circular economy will help reduce waste and unsustainable environmental extraction. The evolution in our understanding of the limits of our planets’ scarce resources means we now have to place this issue at the core of our plans going forward.”

Businesses around the world are striving to come up with innovations to facilitate the transition from the linear economy to the circular economy, she said.

“We still have gaps in policy and regulations, and we need massive shifts in consumer attitude and behaviour.

“We also need the private sector to embody the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. Without the private sector, it would be impossible to create global impacts.”

Roongrote Rangsiyopash, president and CEO of SCG, said: “The increase in global population will inevitably have an impact on the surrounding environment, including the depletion of natural resources, marine debris and intensified global warming, among others.”

In addition, the world is expected to reach an estimated 9.7 billion in 2050, resulting in rising consumption demands despite finite resources, he said.

Last year they contributed 28 million tonnes of waste, and without proper waste management and disposal practices, waste leaks into the oceans, triggering a loss of marine biodiversity, as recently evidenced by the death of the dugong calf Mariam, he said.

“The concept of the circular economy is a solution to help alleviate these problems as it promotes the regenerative model of make-use-return. It also includes the approaches of resource maximisation, waste separation and proper disposal to preserve natural resources for the next generations.”

He said government-driven infrastructure development, stringent regulations and strict waste management would not be enough to achieve a circular economy.

Collaboration by all sectors is crucial to make the circular economy a reality, he said.

Speaking at a breakout session, Phạm Hoang Hai, partnership development head of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development, said: “The development of the circular economy in Vietnam is an indispensable need and must be implemented.”

Vietnamese businesses have become more aware of the circular economy, especially in the context of global economic integration with commitments on ecological and environmental safety standards through free trade agreements, he said.

A number of projects by scientists and Vietnamese and foreign organisations have been implemented in the country to recycle plastic waste and usher in green production and green consumption, he said.

But the circular economy is still a new concept for many Vietnamese businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, he added.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade is in the process of drafting a National Action Programme on Sustainable Production and Consumption, which he said would be implemented in 2021-30.

The symposium served as a platform for exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge.

It was first organised in 2010, and has been held every year since.

The annual event has allowed the sharing of knowledge between many people ranging from youth to key opinion leaders from more than 20 countries.

The fresh batch of FTZs are located in Shandong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces, and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. So far, 18 FTZs have sprung up across the country.

Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said the move shows the government’s resolve to achieve a high-level opening-up and support an opening world economy.

In order to better serve the overall strategy, the six FTZs will tap into their geographical advantages to deepen trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries and regions, Wang said at a news conference. The zones will carry out reforms in line with their positioning and local characteristics.

For instance, Guangxi FTZ aims to promote cross-border trade, logistics and labour cooperation and to boost the opening up in border areas, Wang said. Heilongjiang FTZ will step up cooperation with Russia by facilitating movement of people across the border and encouraging companies to expand overseas, he said.

The pilot FTZs carry out differentiated reform tasks that are in line with their strategic positioning and local characteristics, according to the overall plan released by the State Council on Monday.

Jiangsu FTZ will enhance overseas investment cooperation, strengthen the role of the financial sector in supporting the real economy and promote innovative development in the manufacturing sector, Guo Yuanqiang, deputy governor of Jiangsu province, told reporters.

Yang Jinbai, vice-chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said Guangxi will construct international transport routes, build a pioneering zone for China-Asean cooperation, and develop itself into a gateway in the west for connectivity.

Xia Yanjun, deputy governor of Hebei province, said the province’s FTZ will step up efforts to boost international trade in commodities, open up the biomedicine and health sectors, and foster innovation in life sciences and bio-technologies.

China’s first free-trade zone was set up in Shanghai in 2013. Then the country added four more batches of FTZs, including the coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong and the inland provinces of Shaanxi and Sichuan.

In the past five years, bold steps have been taken in investment, trade liberalisation and facilitation, support of financial services for the real economy and transforming government functions with remarkable progress, Wang said. Citing related data, he said FTZs have become a major force in attracting foreign investment.

The newly set-up FTZs will help address difficult issues, boost high-quality development, enhance efficiency and foster emerging industries, Wang said.

Wang said the ministry will ensure the new FTZs contribute to national strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the integrated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

The ministry will guide the FTZs to strengthen bottom-line thinking and risk awareness, Wang said. Advanced FTZ experiences will be replicated nationwide, he added.

South Korea’s government said Monday that it will insert more than 2 trillion won ($1.64 billion) of the budget next year to help local industries respond to Japan’s economic retaliations and consequent challenges on trade fronts.

Also, President Moon Jae-in subscribed to an equity fund that invests in local materials and parts makers, in a supportive gesture for such aggressive fiscal actions.

“(The government) will play its due fiscal role, even at the cost of temporary fiscal deficit,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki in a meeting with lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.

“We tried to draft as expansionary a state budget as possible for next year, reflecting the government’s strong will to revitalize the economy.”

Rep. Cho Jeong-sik, the party’s chief policymaker, also said in a separate press briefing that additional reserve funds will be used to respond to the escalating economic conflict with Japan.

“We agreed to add at least 2 trillion won to help local parts, materials and machines makers respond to Japan’s trade retaliations, which has become the top priority economic agenda,” the lawmaker said.

“The given amount will be drafted as reserve funds, so that (the government) may respond on time, should situations change further.”

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said last week that it will raise next year’s budget to 513 trillion won, up 9 percent from this year.

The draft budget bill, once approved by the National Assembly, will bring the country’s national debt to 39 percent of its gross domestic product next year, up from 37.2 percent this year.

Despite opposition and concerns, Seoul’s fiscal policymakers have been leaning toward expansionary actions, amid mounting external factors ranging from the US-China trade friction and Japan’s expanded trade curbs against Korea.

Asia’s fourth-largest economy saw its exports slip 13.3 percent during the first 20 days of August from a year earlier, remaining on a steady decline since December last year.

Also, the Bank of Korea slashed its outlook for the country’s economic growth pace for this year to 2.2 percent from the earlier 2.5 percent.

“Considering these downside risks, it is more important than ever to assume an aggressive fiscal role now and next year,” Hong said.

The ministry is planning to submit its budget bill to the parliament on Sept. 3, along with the tax revision bill and the five-year fiscal operation road map, the fiscal chief added.

While the ministry set to pushing ahead with its expansionary fiscal strategy, President Moon visited the headquarters of NH NongHyup Bank to subscribe to an equity fund that invests in local parts and materials makers.

“It was to display (the president’s) determination to support local industries and to stand together against Japan’s economic retaliations,” said Cheong Wa Dae.

China is willing to resolve disputes with the United States through “calm” negotiations and it resolutely opposes the escalation of trade conflicts, Vice-Premier Liu He said on Monday.

Liu, who has been leading the trade negotiations with Washington, said China has sufficient policy tools and is capable of ensuring stable and sound economic development.

The vice-premier’s remarks came after the ongoing trade tension between the world’s two largest economies further escalated with both sides deciding to levy more tariffs on each other’s exports.

“We resolutely oppose technology blockades and trade protectionism … and are willing to resolve problems through consultation and cooperation with a calm attitude,” Liu said at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Smart China Expo in Chongqing.

“We believe that the escalation of the trade war is not beneficial to China, the US nor to the interests of people around the world,” he added.

The vice-premier said that China welcomes companies from all over the world including the US to invest and operate in the country and the Chinese government will continue to create a good investment environment and protect intellectual property rights.

The latest escalation of the trade tension between China and the US has cast a shadow on the next round of trade talks scheduled to be held in the US next month.

Experts said that Liu’s remarks signaled China’s willingness to continue trade talks with the US while sending out the message that it is confident and capable of maintaining stable growth and is prepared for the worst-case scenario.

“They showed China’s positive gesture ahead of the trade talks and that it is hoping to continue the negotiations and reach an agreement with the US,” said former vice-minister of commerce Wei Jianguo, who is now vice-president of Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges, a government think tank.

“But the country is not fearful of the extreme US pressure, and it is capable of dealing with the worst results,” Wei said. “They (Liu’s remarks) were also a reassuring message to global companies and investors that China’s market reform and opening-up will not go backward, the Chinese economy is resilient and the government is capable of shielding the economy from the negative impact of trade conflicts,” he added.

On Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that the US administration’s threat to order US companies to seek alternatives to doing business with China sounds more like a political slogan than a practical move.

“Even if it were to happen, there would be others to fill the gap. In the end, it would be the US that suffered the loss,” Geng said at a news conference.

The ministry said that the US tariff hikes have dragged down international trade and global economic growth, and it strongly urged the US not to misjudge the situation and to stop the wrong moves immediately.

“If the US puts the tariff measures into action, China will absolutely take measures to safeguard its legitimate interests,” Geng said.

Wang Tao, chief China economist at UBS, said that the latest tariff escalation adds more uncertainty to the US-China trade talks and bilateral economic relations.

“On the Chinese side, the unexpected US escalation in early August and the export restrictions on Huawei have likely hardened policymakers’ stances … and it does not appear likely they will yield in the face of more economic pressure,” Wang said.

In response to the uncertainties surrounding the trade dispute with the US, China will continue to push more reform and market opening, she said, adding that policymakers in Beijing will likely introduce additional monetary policy easing, increase funding for infrastructure investment and provide more policy support for employment and in social welfare.

“Driven by rationality, cost performance remains one of the most important reasons for consumers to choose domestic brands, even though they are more influenced by quality than price,” said Justin Sargent, president of Nielsen China.

According to the survey, 61 per cent of respondents said cost performance played a significant role in their decision to buy domestic brands. In the coming year, 33 per cent of respondents said they would seek high-quality products and 26 per cent said they would choose cheaper products that meet basic requirements.

National symbolism and consumer recognition of brands are key drivers for the rise in popularity of local goods. The clearer and firmer brand attitudes of domestic firms have won the hearts of consumers, the survey showed.

The survey found that male consumers living in first-and second-tier cities are more emotionally driven. Around 34 per cent of respondents said they were more willing to support and buy domestic brands. In this group, 36 per cent were men and 34 per cent women, while those in the first-and second-tier cities accounted for 52 per cent compared with 29 per cent in fourth-tier cities and rural areas. In addition, 15 percent of respondents said they bought domestic brands because they recognised the brand spirit.

Consumers in first- and second-tier cities showed a stronger willingness to buy domestic brands, which is buoyed by cultural self-confidence.

According to the Nielsen survey, 29 per cent of those surveyed are more willing to buy domestic brands and products. Among them, 67 per cent choose domestic brands because they are passionate about traditional aesthetics such as culture and symbols.

Domestic brands in the automotive, 3C (computers, communications and consumer electronics) and healthcare sectors may have more opportunities next year. Nielsen data showed that in the coming year, 51 per cent of consumers would be more willing to buy locally manufactured cars. And 36 per cent of the respondents said they would choose to buy better-quality products at relatively high prices, while 18 per cent of them said they would be willing to spend more on products that reflect their social status.

Domestic brands intend to drive marketing efficiency by provoking positive memories and also through crossover collaboration and innovation to expand the word-of-mouth effect.

Nielsen’s research found that 49 per cent of consumers were attracted to domestic products that overstepped their traditional business and developed other sectors. Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed expressed a strong interest in product and service innovation, and 37 per cent said they chose domestic brands because of celebrity endorsement. In addition, 65 per cent of respondents expressed a preference for MNC brands’ products incorporating Chinese elements.

“In a consumer demand-driven market, brand owners need to pay attention to product prices, quality and brand building, while they need to place more emphasis on changes in consumer demand. Only products that meet customers’ needs can swiftly gain consumer and market recognition,” said Sargent.

Some local media outlets published reports of a renewed confrontation between Cambodian and Lao troops at the Tonle Pov river in the Mom Bei area of Preah Vihear province, saying Cambodia had increased its troop presence and was ready to move the residents of four villages in two communes in Chom Ksan district in case of an exchange of fire.

However, Banh rejected reports that the situation at the Cambodia-Laos border was tense.

“There has been no confrontation as published [by some media outlets], and after the prime ministers of the two countries spoke, the situation will return to normal very soon.

“There were some words exchanged [between troops], but the two leaders spoke and found a solution so there is no problem,” Banh told The Post.

The part of the Cambodia-Laos border in question has yet to have border markers installed, so unaware Cambodians had planted crops, which Lao troops removed, he said.

The Cambodians then reported this to the Cambodian soldiers, which led to a misunderstanding.

“There was a bit of a misunderstanding, but the situation is not serious and will return to normal soon. Unlike what has been published by some local media outlets, there is no problem.

We are in talks to get the situation back to normal,” Banh said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to people to not worry about the situation at the border, saying Cambodian and Lao troops had withdrawn after he had spoken directly with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith.

“At 9am on Saturday morning I spoke directly on the phone with Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and we had a positive conversation. We both agreed to withdraw troops from the Mom Bei area that has not yet been fully demarcated.

“We also agreed to continue negotiations with each other, so the situation is not tense. Our two countries’ soldiers have eaten meals together, so please all citizens, don’t worry,” Hun Sen told Fresh News.

Political analyst Meas Nee said differing reports made it difficult to assess the situation at the border.

Some media outlets had said local authorities were ready to move the residents of the four villages in Choam Ksan district in case shots were exchanged, while senior government officials were saying there was no confrontation.

“If we look at information from local officials, it seems tense, while the Ministry of National Defence and the prime minister said the situation is not serious. With differing accounts, it is difficult to assess the situation,” Nee said.

Kin Phea, the director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the situation at the border had calmed after dialogue between the prime ministers.

He said Cambodia’s policy was to live peacefully.

“This issue is calm now after talks because Cambodia does not wish to cause problems with any country, regardless of whether strong or weak, as we want to live in peace with our neighbours.

“We are still developing the nation and have no intention of having conflicts with any country or grabbing territory,” Phea said.

The Cambodia-Laos border issue has been ongoing since August 2017, when Laos sent troops into a disputed area in Stung Treng province, demanding a halt to a road being constructed by Cambodian military engineers. This led to a tense standoff.

According to border officials, Cambodia and Laos share a 540km border and need to install 145 demarcation posts. So far both sides have installed 121 posts, with 24 in Preah Vihear and Stung Treng provinces still outstanding.

Late last year, Hun Sen and Thongloun called on the French government to supply maps and other related documents to settle the dispute.

In a statement issued on Friday (Aug 23), the United States-based company confirmed that it has set up a partnership with the HPB to take part in the Live Healthy SG programme, which was announced on Wednesday.

The partnership ties in with Fitbit’s targeted giveaway of one million health trackers – although some media outlets took this to mean that the HPB would be giving them away.

The government agency’s actual involvement is that it can access fitness data through the programme – as long as users consent to it – to provide insights and contribute to more effective health promotion programmes for Singapore.

Singaporeans must sign up for a year-long subscription to Fitbit’s digital coach service Fitbit Premium in order to receive the free gadget, which normally sells for $158.

Fitbit’s statement said: “In Fitbit’s collaboration with the Singapore Health Promotion Board on a new population-based health initiative, Live Healthy SG, Fitbit will be the ones providing free Inspire HR trackers to participants who commit to a 12-month subscription to our Fitbit Premium service.”

It added: “Reports that suggest that Fitbit had won the contract because one million Singaporeans would be participating in the programme are also inaccurate. The one million participation number is a Fitbit target, following the award of the contract to us, and it refers to Fitbit’s planned reach of our Live Healthy SG programme.”

Fitbit Premium, which guides users through audio coaching and video workout clips, costs $10 a month, or $120 for a 12-month subscription.

Singaporeans will be able to register for the programme from the middle of the next month, while Live Healthy SG will go live in late October.

The proposal was made at  a conference in Ho Chi Minh on Thursday (August 22).

If accepted by the authorities, all vehicles will have to put up the sign ‘TAXI CAR’ on the front glass, list full information on the vehicle as prescribed and carry a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof.

This recommendation has also been made in a draft decree by the Ministry of Transport as one of the conditions for the automobile transport business.

Speaking at the meeting, Truong Dình Quy, deputy general director of Vinasun Corporation, said: “Ride hailing firms like Grab did not comply with Decision 24 of the pilot scheme for ride-hailing services, resulting in violation of legal regulations governing ride-hailing transport operations.”

Huynh Thi Le Thuy, deputy general director of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Justice in HCM City, said it was vital to ensure cars booked through ride-hailing applications are managed in the same way as traditional taxis.

It was also important to create a level-playing field between traditional taxi firms and app-based operators such as  Grab, she said.

“Vietnamese enterprises should not lose competition rights in the domestic market due to unreasonable regulations,” she said.

At the end of last year,  a HCM City court ordered Grab to pay 4.8 billion dongs (US$210,300) in compensation to Vinasun.

Vinasun blamed Grab as the sole reason for its drop in earnings since the latter’s entry into Vietnam.

The court also found Grab guilty of predatory pricing and abusing the transport ministry’s Decision 24 on piloting contracted passenger transportation.

Grab claimed to be a technology firm but Vinasun refuted this, saying it was a taxi company with a large number of drivers.

In Southeast Asia, the rise of ride-hailing companies like Grab and Go-Jek has shaken up urban transportation and caused traditional taxi operators to lose market share.

Flush with money and technology, ride-hailing innovators have been able to attract new users with convenience and lower fares.

Grab came to Vietnam in 2014. Competition has since become intense with several local players and Indonesia’s Go-Jek entering the fray.

The conference was not attended by Grab executives.

Other topics discussed at the event included technology application in inland waterway management and solutions to improve its efficiency and legal issues related to the application of digital technologies in aviation.