China's Xi to attend online Biden climate summit

13 Sept 11:42 Key points summarised by AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend US President Joe Biden's virtual climate summit, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two top polluting nations despite wider political tensions.
The summit signifies Washington's return to global climate leadership under Biden, following former President Trump's withdrawal, and will be the first meeting between Biden and Xi since Biden assumed office.
Despite ongoing acrimony over issues like human rights, the US and China, who together account for nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions, have pledged to cooperate on tackling the climate crisis.
Biden is expected to announce new US carbon emission targets at the summit, while China has committed to reaching peak emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.