China and the U.S.: Implications for SE Asia By Karim Raslan KUALA LUMPUR (JP): The Republican administration has taken the high road with China.

RP to see first power privatization in 2002 MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines will likely see the first privatization of its power assets late next year should a key power bill pass Congress in a special session next week, Energy Secretary Jose Camacho said on Saturday.

Nigeria plans to buy Indonesian aircraft JAKARTA (JP): The Nigerian government has made a firm commitment to purchase aircraft from the state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Indonesia's Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan said here on Saturday. Luhut said that the Nigerian government had allocated about US$100 million for the deal with Bandung-based Dirgantara, formerly known as PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN).

KL says up to India to decide palm oil duty KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia said on Saturday it will leave it to the Indian government to decide whether to reduce its high import duties on palm oil. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said enough has been said about the issue and the Malaysian government should not be seen as applying pressure on India. "The matter has been brought up at all levels during the visit by the Indian Prime Minister here. "So, we should say no more.