Eating Chinese Soft Power
Isabelle Chua
Isabelle Chua analyses the rapid expansion of Chinese food brands, highlighting how this trend has become an informal yet influential form of Chinese soft power in Southeast Asia.
Articles
The Divorce Debate in the Philippines: Why Not a People’s Referendum?
Dennis Blanco
Divorce elicits a multitude of opinions in the devoutly Catholic nation, both supporting and opposing it. Only a definitive public consensus can help resolve the issue.
Beyond FDI: Vietnam’s Moment for Tech Upgrading
Xu Jingzhi
To move up the technology value chain, Vietnam needs to think beyond foreign direct investment and focus on upgrading domestic capacity.
Indonesia’s Energy Sector Reforms Under Prabowo: Moving Backwards?
Anissa R. Suharsono|Yanuar Nugroho
The Prabowo government’s ambitious goal for Indonesia of achieving energy self-sufficiency faces significant challenges due to the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and renewed large-scale biofuel ambitions.
Chinese F&B Brands: Smaller Slice of Market for Thai Eateries?
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
Chinese brands are rapidly expanding in Thailand, with increased capital, tax incentives, and scalability, putting more pressure on local F&B businesses.
US Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Panel Exports: Where the Sun Does Not Shine
Archanun Kohpaiboon
The US has imposed new duties on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries to address unfair Chinese trade practices. The duties will continue to be part of Washington’s arsenal of options.
Paetongtarn’s Suspension Spells the Collapse of Her Government
Napon Jatusripitak
Following her suspension as prime minister, the writing is on the wall for Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra and what remains of her ruling coalition.
The ‘First Lady’ Who Redefines Vietnam’s Diplomacy and Politics
Le Hong Hiep
Vietnam’s de facto first lady has blazed a trail which has enhanced Vietnam’s diplomatic overtures and softened her husband’s image.
Thailand Faces Growing Instability with Paetongtarn’s Intransigence
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
The leaked phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen has ignited political instability and thrown into question the already embattled prime minister’s position.
Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus
Ryan Hass
Amid growing risks of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Southeast Asian countries can spur thinking on the Taiwan question by prodding Washington to match its words with deeds.