This Long Read argues that while the terms of China’s aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries are less favourable compared to those of the World Bank, the weight of the evidence does not lend credence to the existence of a Chinese “debt trap” strategy in the region.
Author Archives: blackbox
Putting Up a Front: How Indonesians Feel about Jokowi’s Climate Agenda
Indonesians’ responses to the Southeast Asia Climate Change Outlook Survey 2022 show mixed feelings about Jakarta’s ability to push for real green transformation, but a chance exists for change to take root.
Politicised Islam Frays the Fabric of Keluarga Malaysia
Ismail Sabri’s vision for Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) tries to paint the picture of an administration that is more inclusive than its predecessors, or that it is departing from Islam-centric policies. However, upon closer inspection his rhetoric rings hollow.
Environmental and Labour Standards in IPEF: Tough Pill to Swallow for Southeast Asia
The U.S. must ensure that it finds the right leverage within its IPEF scheme to make up for its lack of trade benefits or risk turning off prospective participants.
Myanmar and Russia: Vladivostok Meeting Signals a Tighter Embrace
Russia and Myanmar have been broadening bilateral cooperation in the face of global condemnation.
Survival, Success and the Sea: The Importance of UNCLOS to Singapore
UNCLOS has played a pivotal role in Singapore’s development from a maritime colony to a modern maritime state.
The Undetermined Costs and Benefits of Cambodia’s Engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
This Long Read argues that despite common perceptions of Cambodia as a ‘client state’ of China due to its dependence on Chinese aid and investment, Cambodia does exercise agency and has been diversifying its donors and investors to meet its economic needs.
Stealthy Islamism Riding on Mat Kilau’s Stellar Success
Due to some feedback on the article’s references, this article has been taken down for the time being while the references are being clarified with the author.
Vietnam Tightens the Screws on Big Tech
Vietnam’s Decree 53 appears to be focused less on making Big Tech firms set up offices and data centres in Vietnam. Instead, it appears to be more focused on instilling fear in such companies and Internet users.
The ‘Sambo Case’: Public Trust in the Indonesian Police at Stake
The convoluted case involving a former police general’s alleged murder of his aide threatens to up-end the Indonesian public’s trust in their law enforcement agencies.