Articles

20 Jan 2023

Avoiding Divots in the U.S. Pivot to Asia

William Choong

While the Americans have made noticeable progress in their “pivot” to Asia, the crux of successful regional engagement rests on Washington’s ability to work with and around China’s indisputable links and influence in this part of the world, while managing its own relationship with Beijing.

19 Jan 2023

Indonesia as ASEAN Chair: Great Expectations for Southeast Asia’s Middle Power

Julia Lau

After a relatively successful G20 presidency, a confident Indonesia is enjoying its status as a recognised – if yet to be truly tested – Asia-Pacific middle power. Indonesia’s agenda as 2023 ASEAN Chair contains opportunity and risk for its newfound mettle.

ASEAN Indonesia

18 Jan 2023

“Undercover” Ministers in Malaysia

James Chai

A few ministers in the new Malaysian cabinet are providing citizens with a breath of fresh air as they conduct surprise visits to see what ails public services, but the winds of change have not gathered sufficient force for true reform.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

17 Jan 2023

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.

China-Philippine Relations Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Taiwan

17 Jan 2023

“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.

Corruption Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

16 Jan 2023

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.

Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Maritime Security

13 Jan 2023

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.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

12 Jan 2023

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.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

11 Jan 2023

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.

Labour Rights Vietnam

9 Jan 2023

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.

Indo-Pacific South Korea Southeast Asia