Le Hong Hiep
The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct negotiations took an unexpected turn when Vietnam started calling for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone over the South China Sea. However, China is unlikely to concede due to its maritime ambitions, and may even harden its stance against these pressures.
Ahmad Najib Burhani
Ma'ruf Amin, Joko Wido's choice of running mate for the presidential election in April next year, was chosen mainly to “shield” the Presdient from the attacks utilising the politics of identity and religion. However, Jokowi's camp needs to lower their expectations for Ma'ruf Amin as a vote-getter as he lacks appeal among young voters.
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam cancelled the fifteen defence engagement activities scheduled for 2019 with the United States. Whether it will reverse its decision depends on whether the US will waive sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia; the future direction of US-China relations, and China's stance in the South China Sea dispute.
Cassey Lee
The Mid-Term Review of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (MTR-11MP) is a broad overview of the PH government's future economic policy directions with emphasis on institutional reforms and reducing state-level developmental gaps that have persisted.
Le Hong Hiep
The sudden passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created a vacant position without a clear front runner to fill it. Though largely ceremonial, it will have important implications for the country's political system.
Malcolm Cook
Philippines seeking to review the 1987 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system. But a leaked copy of the Committee's draft constitution supported critics' argument that it will benefit the political interests of the current national-level politicians than to contribute to a more efficient and devolved political system.
Le Hong Hiep
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong led the fight against corruption among high-profile politicians and those in the state-owned enterprises (SOE) who are closely associated with former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The anti-corruption campaign is a watershed development that hopes to establish Mr Trong's legacy after he retires in 2021.
Tang Siew Mun
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's visit to Japan in June 2018 signaled the government's interest to work closely with Japan. While affirming friendly ties with China, Malaysia will vigorously defend its rights in the South China Sea disputes.
Tang Siew Mun
The historic meeting between US President, Donald Trump, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) State Affairs Commission Chairman, Mr Kim Jong Un, paved the way for DPRK participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the resumption of trade and bilateral engagement with ASEAN member states, Pyongyang has a higher stake in the maintenance of regional peace and stability.
Ian Storey
From beefing up its military presence in the islands near Vietnam to overt attempts at curtailing Vietnam's commercial activities in the South China Sea through the threat of force, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Hanoi to coerce Vietnam into compromising its maritime claims in favour of China's interests.