Recent remarks by a senior Chinese leader about Beijing’s position towards foreign nationals of Chinese descent (huaren) appears to show some change in official policy. But Beijing has largely taken a consistent position.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Thailand’s Minimum Wage Conundrum: Populist Promise or Productive Policy?
At the May 2023 election, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party promised to double Thailand’s minimum wage. His administration should focus on raising labour productivity rather than pursuing short-term populist policies.
Politics of Memory in Vietnam: A War Fought Twice
Hanoi’s silence over a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by a Vietnamese-American author speaks volumes about the country’s treatment of its wartime history.
The Ambiguous Response of Indonesian Muslims to Iran’s Attack on Israel
Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel in retaliation against the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus has drawn mixed reactions among Indonesia’s Muslim leaders. The theological divide, however, will limit Indonesian solidarity with Iran.
South Korea-Southeast Asia Ties from Moon to Yoon: What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same?
President Yoon’s Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative has built on some of the groundwork laid by his predecessor’s New Southern Policy, most notably in its economic engagements with Southeast Asian countries. However, Seoul must undertake further efforts to boost its diplomatic and security profile in the region.
Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto, Swimming and Mythmaking
The incoming Indonesian president swims for his health. The tale he likes to tell of one of his swims, however, is but one layer of many in the carefully constructed narrative surrounding his leadership and past record.
Stimulus Package Glosses over Digital Divide
Thailand’s controversial digital wallet scheme has been criticised by some quarters. One aspect that is ignored is the kingdom’s digital divide.
Pheu Thai’s Military Reforms: Keeping the Military Onside
Pheu Thai proposed reforms of the powerful Thai military are relatively modest, all the more to prevent the ignominy of suffering yet another coup.
ASEAN and Myanmar: The Need for Sustained Engagement
Three successive editions of the State of Southeast Survey share one commonality: the shared aspiration among respondents for sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar.
Something Old, Something New: The Philippines’ Transparency Initiative in the South China Sea
The Marcos Jr administration’s measured transparency approach to Chinese grey zone activities in the South China Sea carries with it risks and challenges. It is not sufficient to protect and promote Philippines interests in the SCS. It needs to develop and articulate a clear maritime strategy for the security sector and the civilian bureaucracy.