This article argues that China’s willingness to side with the Myanmar military and the SAC regime has been evident since the immediate aftermath of the February 2021 coup, despite its apparently mixed messages. Through its state media, China has all along transmitted messages largely in favour of the military takeover of its smaller neighbour.
Author Archives: blackbox
Unretweeted Love? #KeluargaMalaysia Overtures Fall Flat
Driving a successful hashtag campaign is more complicated than blitzing social media. An analysis of tweets appending #KeluargaMalaysia suggests that such attempts have backfired because the hashtag has been appropriated by Twitter netizens to express their discontent with the government.
The Implications of EU’s CBAM for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries should carefully weigh the economic and environmental impacts of unilateral climate policies like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Public Officials in Celebrity Podcasts: Dodging the Bullet
Celebrity podcasts have increasingly become the go-to place for Indonesian politicians and high-ranking officials. The problem, however, is that these platforms lack the same level of journalistic integrity and scrutiny.
Indonesia’s 2024 Elections: Party Elite Interest Versus Mass Popularity
Indonesia’s major political parties have started jostling for position for the 2024 elections, where party incumbency may be forced to give way to the people’s demands for the most popular choice.
Piracy and the Pandemic: Maritime Crime in Southeast Asia, 2020-2022
Contrary to expectations that the Covid-19 pandemic would result in a surge in maritime crime in Southeast Asia due to worsening economic conditions, 2021 saw the frequency of piracy and sea robbery attacks decline to pre-pandemic levels. However, the Singapore Strait remains a black spot.
Thai Parliamentarians Should Learn from Their Malaysian Counterparts
Thailand should take a leaf from Malaysia, which has effected a law to deter party hoppers in the country’s legislature.
The G7’s Global Infrastructure and Investment Drive: Not So Attractive For Southeast Asia
The Group of 7’s new infrastructure and investment drive seeks to provide what Southeast Asia needs, such as financing for hard infrastructure. But the need for multiple stakeholders and financing issues might not garner much buy-in from the region.
When Lack of Jaw Jaw Might Lead to War War
Washington and Beijing’s refusal to talk calmly to each other about the ongoing Taiwan crisis raises the stakes for Southeast Asia, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the chill between the great powers.
Is the ASEAN Secretariat Overdue for a Renewed Mandate?
As ASEAN marks 55 years of existence, the pressing challenge of strengthening and empowering its Secretariat needs to be faced if the organisation is to remain relevant.