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Malaysia’s Third Covid-19 Wave

President of the Sabah Heritage Party Shafie Apdal votes during state elections in Semporna, a town in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island, on September 26, 2020. The Sabah snap election was the origin of Malaysia’s third and largest wave of Covid-19 infections. (Photo: AFP)

Malaysia is suffering from its longest, highest and most politically fraught surge in Covid-19 infections.

China’s New Coast Guard Law: Illegal and Escalatory

A Philippine coast guard ship (R) sails past a Chinese coastguard ship during an joint search and rescue exercise between Philippine and US coastguards near Scarborough shoal, in the South China Sea, on 14 May, 2019. (Photo: Ted ALJIBE/ AFP)

A new Chinese law, which gives its coast guard legal cover to fire on foreign vessels in contested waters, is worrying. States interested in the peace and stability of the South China Sea should do something about it.

America, China and Southeast Asia: Where “Win Win” Can Become a Reality

Then US Vice President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping display shirts with a message given to them by students at the International Studies Learning School in Southgate, outside of Los Angeles, on 17, February, 2012. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN/ AFP)

If China and the United States play their cards right, the two powers can avoid a hot or cold war. This will be good news for the world, in particular Southeast Asia.

President Joko Widodo’s Image Problems

Students cover their faces with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a demonstration against a controversial new law passed last week which critics fear will favour investors at the expense of labour rights and the environment in Banda Aceh on October 14, 2020. (Photo by Chaideer MAHYUDDIN/ AFP)

The opposition’s weakness means that the Indonesian president’s recent problems carry few political costs – for the moment.

Japan’s Diplomatic Note on the South China Sea: Internationalising the Dispute Amid Chinese Pressure

Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and United States Navy warships sail in formation during the Pacific Vanguard 2020 exercise.

Japan’s latest note verbale to the United Nations on the South China Sea was done out of its national interest. Nonetheless, it shows that Tokyo – and a growing coalition of countries – are digging in their heels to uphold the aegis of international law in the region.

China-US Competition: Southeast Asia Can Decide What’s Best

Southeast Asian countries prefer a healthy balance of power between major powers in the region. This is often overlooked by China and the United States, which want them to take a stand on issues of concern.

Myanmar May See More Violence After the Polls

There is a heightened risk of violence after the national polls this Sunday. This stems from two structural factors: inter-party clashes and the problems in Rakhine state.

Will China Exploit America’s Domestic Distractions for Strategic Gains in Asia?

The India-China land border, more than the South China Sea, is the regional flashpoint that could flare.

South Korea‘s Southeast Asian Potential

South Korea is well-positioned to become a more important power for Southeast Asia and ASEAN.

The 2020 Regional Elections in Indonesia: The Use and Abuse of Religion

Indonesia has laws that seek to deter the politicisation of religion. This will prove to be challenging, especially with the regional elections round the corner.