With three Politburo members unable to fulfil their five-year terms due to health or legal issues and one more tipped to be the frontrunner as the next President, the upcoming plenum will be one to watch closely, as the appointment of new members to the Politburo will have important implications for Vietnam’s political prospects.
Author Archives: blackbox
President U Win Myint’s Debut at the ASEAN Summit
Myanmar President U Win Myint’s debut at the ASEAN Summit will be watched closely. They will compare his performance to Daw Suu’s – in particular, how he will address the Rohingya crisis.
What Drives Vietnam’s Public Security Forces Restructuring?
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring exercise that will see a leaner and more efficient structure. The restructuring can also be seen as part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign against corruption.
A “New Generation” Leader for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy?
Even though Myanmar’s President is both the head of state and head of government, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is still the de facto leader of Myanmar, with all important policy decisions needing her approval. This heavy burden, along with Ms Suu Kyi’s advancing age, may necessitate a shift to a new generation of more pro-active leadership.
US Conducts 6th South China Sea FONOP under Trump
In response to the US’ latest Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) exercise, China dispatched two warships to warn off the USS Mustin, and proclaimed the mission to be illegal and provocative. So far, only the US is willing to conduct FONOPs around Chinese-occupied features to challenge Beijing’s excessive maritime claims.
China’s New International Development Cooperation Agency and Foreign Aid
China has created the International Development Cooperation Agency to integrate and strengthen its foreign aid programme, so as to ensure the success of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Whether the IDCA will be able to help achieve these goals remains to be seen.
Myanmar-China Relations in 2018: Enter the Dragon
While Western democracies are contemplating sanctions on Myanmar, China has been pursuing closer ties with the country through a series of bilateral visits. With the international pressure over the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar may find itself increasingly dependent on China.
The ASEAN “Consensus” on Migrant Workers: Not Ideal but a Basis to Continue Working
The fact that Asean has arrived at a consensus on the promotion and protection of migrant workers’ rights is a feat in itself. The consensus does not have legal weight, but the expectation is that it would provide some moral suasion for the national implementation of regoinal commitments and the possibility of more mini-lateral initiaitves.
Aung San Suu Kyi Needs to Take an Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution in Rakhine
Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited the Maungtaw district to assure local Rohingya villagers about the government’s development programs for Northern Rakhine. But she failed to meet Rakhine politicians and community leaders To succeed, she will need to build an all-inclusive conflict resolution for Rakhine.
Realities of the Rakhine Issue in Myanmar
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN’s “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN’s gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity.