Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Hong Kong Protests: Possible End Games

It's the 5th night and there are still thousands of people camped out.... As the "Occupy Central" protests in Hong Kong carry on, I'm speculating about the possible short- and long-run outcomes.

One thing is clear: China will not accept any loosening of their grip on Hong Kong as it could trigger similar movements in other parts of China. Let's imagine that the protests trigger political reforms in Hong Kong and a step closer to full democracy....... No , highly unlikely.

Another possible outcome is the opposite end-game whereby China will assert a tighter grip on the political scene in the entrepĂ´t. It could be with more Chinese-mainland representatives in HK or perhaps police and/or armed forces. But provided that Beijing recently attempted - but obviously failed - to reform the political scene with the new election rules (from a panel decision to having Beijing  pre-approve all candidates), this would not be consistent, and I cannot see the benefits of  a flip-flopping Beijing.

So my guess is that the most possible solution for Beijing is to maintain the status quo in the long run but find a quick-fix to get the city back up and running. Such a quick fix could be either by removing the Chief Executive  Mr CYLeung , or perhaps make confusing promises that could defuse the situation.

The chants if the protesters this evening are at lease calling for Mr Leung to resign and might be the outcome..... For now.......

At least they haven't occupied the Chek Lap Kok airport yet.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

GE cements leadership position in Vietnamese wind market with MOU for new project

Just as we mentioned Vietnam yesterday, GE is close to another project win in the upcoming market:

http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/22727/ge-to-provide-technology-turbines-for-235mn-wind-farm-project-in-vietnam

The project will be in the province of Dak Lak.


Saturday, September 27, 2014

Vietnam Wind Farms

Been wondering how many wind farms there are in a Vietnam?

Check this out:
http://www.thewindpower.net/country_windfarms_en_74_vietnam.php

Looks like GE has the most, with a few Fuhrlanders and three Vestas V80s.

A shame there are not many more: Vietnam had terrific kite surfing.


Source: USGOV

October in East Asia

October in Asia is around the corner.



Christmas music will ostensibly start playing at the supermarket.

Possible types of October weather:
Japan: nice
Korea: Dry but nice
China: Polluted, National day and nice
Taiwan: Typhoons, National Day and nice
Thailand: Chulalongkorn Day and nice
Singapore: Humid and Nice
Malaysia: Hot, humid and nice
Vietnam: Woman's day and nice

October is not a bad time  to travel in Asia but watch out for:
- Typhoons
- Gazillion of tourists from China during the first week of October.
- Silly Christmas music