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Sino-US talks in Washington
Military leaders from China and the United States hold talks in Washington ahead of high-level economic talks later this week. People's Liberation Army Deputy Chief of Staff Wang Guanzhong , US Undersecretary of Defence James Miller and Admiral Samuel Locklear, commander of the US Pacific Fleet take part in the third China-US strategic security dialogue.
 
Legco debate on ESF subvention
Lawmakers debate plans to end government subsidies for the English Schools Foundation amid calls from parents for them to be retained. The Legislative Council's panel on education will consider plans to phase out the HK$283 million over the course of 13 years from 2016. The ESF's board has approved the plan, which was put forward by the government after the subvention was frozen for years.
 
Costa Concordia skipper due in court
The manslaughter trial is due to begin of the disgraced captain of the Costa Concordia, the Italian cruise ship that collided with a reef off Italy last year, killing 32 people. Francesco Schettino is the sole defendant on trial at a court in Grosseto, after prosecutors agreed to let the other five defendants have plea bargain arrangements. However, a national strike by lawyers may mean that the trial is delayed.
 
Beijing releases June inflation data
Inflation figures for June are released in Beijing, giving a further indication of possible slowing in the mainland's economic growth, as well as the effects of the recent credit crunch. Consumer inflation slowed to 2.1 per cent in May, the lowest level in three months. Economists polled by Bloomberg predict an inflation rate of about 2.5 per cent.
 
Top Vietnamese lawyer goes on trial
One of Vietnam's most high-profile human rights lawyers goes in trial for tax evasion, in what human rights watchdogs says is the latest attempt by Hanoi to silence dissident voices. Le Quoc Quan, also a prominent blogger, has vowed to defend himself against the charges. Human rights groups say more than 50 Vietnamese dissidents have been convicted in what they describe as political trials since the start of the year.
 
Observatory in the spotlight at museum
The Museum of History takes a close look at the long and fascinating story of the Hong Kong Observatory as it launches its latest exhibition. The "Under The Same Sky - 130 Years" exhibition charts the Observatory's foundation and evolution, as well as looking back at some of the natural disasters to befall Hong Kong in the intervening years. The free exhibit opens to the public tomorrow and runs until September 2.


Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...