Today, Vietnam is arguably better positioned, both financially and geopolitically, to move forward with the North-South High Speed Rail project. However, the feasibility of this ambitious megaproject hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, which is fraught with uncertainty.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence
The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.
Should Selangor Take Kuala Lumpur Back?
There is talk of integrating Kuala Lumpur into Selangor again. However, before considering reintegration, the capital’s governance and residents’ needs must be addressed.
Weaknesses in Mekong River Governance: The Case of the Funan Techo Canal
Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal, which aims to connect Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, has sparked regional concerns, particularly from Vietnam, due to potential environmental impacts and geopolitical implications.
Addressing the Philippines’ Education Crisis
The education system in the Philippines is floundering. It is time to implement some urgent reforms, such as addressing the spending gap and decentralisation.
How a Provincial Election in Udon Thani Became a National Battleground
Thaksin used a local election to stage a political comeback. While this reaped dividends, the key is to ensure that the needs of voters are addressed in the long term.
Has China Changed its Policy Towards Chinese Overseas?
In 2024, senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao made a clear distinction between Huaqiao and Huaren, emphasising that they possess different political loyalties. Huaren’s political loyalty, he noted, is tied only to the country of citizenship. In substance, however, Beijing’s policy of blurring the distinction between Huaqiao and Huaren remains unchanged.
China’s Increased Investment in Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges
Chinese investments in Vietnam have surged. But they bring not only opportunities but also challenges for the latter.
Trump 2.0 Presidency: What Is in Store for Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia is unlikely to be a priority in Trump’s foreign policy agenda, but the region will need to strategise its response to the President-elect’s trade and security stances, and his transactional approach.
Does the Arakan Army have the Capacity to Govern Rakhine?
The Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar appears to be making enough headway in Rakhine to make it a plausible rival authority someday, not just in the context of warfighting but also administration.