Bound to Comply: the Philippines’ One-China Policy and Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S.
Aaron Jed Rabena
In the event of hostilities in the Taiwan Strait, Manila’s defense treaty with the United States will give it little room to manoeuvre.
Articles
“Red Card” for the President? Vietnam’s Biggest Political Drama in Decades
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc might be removed from his position. If online speculation is true, Phuc will become the first Vietnamese president to be ousted while still in office.
Japan’s Responses to Chinese Grey-Zone Tactics: Giving Southeast Asia A Leg-up
Yoichiro Sato
With some experience in managing Chinese assertiveness in the East China Sea, Japan is helping Southeast Asian countries manage Beijing’s actions in disputed maritime areas.
Democratic Consolidation or Authoritarian Survival: Thailand’s Next General Election in 2023
Napon Jatusripitak
The upcoming elections in Thailand might raise hopes of a post-coup democratic consolidation. But the polls could well result in a hung parliament or worse.
Vietnam’s Relations with the United States: Time For an Upgrade
Phan Xuan Dung
Hanoi has long hesitated in upgrading its relationship with the United States to a strategic partnership. It should think again.
When a State-Led Union Can Make a Difference
Joe Buckley
One would think that a state-run union in Vietnam would not be able to do much for the welfare of workers. But the Vietnamese General Confederation of Labour has made modest gains amid the current downturn.
Will South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Make a Difference?
Joanne Lin|Sean King
South Korea’s new Indo-Pacific strategy underscores the country’s ambitions to be a “global pivotal state”. Seoul seeks to effect a careful balance: inclining towards the US-led grouping advocating a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, while at the same time engaging China.
Malaysia Cuts ECRL Costs, but Can the Mega Railway Project Pay?
Tham Siew Yean
The unity government has shaved the cost of the debt-funded project. But of greater concern is whether the ECRL will generate enough revenue for Malaysia to pay back the loan. The ECRL’s commercial viability also lacks public disclosure.
Strengthening Links in ASEAN’s Global Value Chains Post-Pandemic
Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy|Pham Thi Phuong Thao
The Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disruptions global value chains. This has proven to be both a boon and bane for ASEAN.
Thai PM’s New Move Raises More Questions Than Answers
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has finally announced his intention to be the prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party. Many questions remain, however, about how he intends to proceed in the run-up to the next general elections.