China’s membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the prospect of its accession to the CPTPP further increase China’s role in supporting the rules-based multilateral system to which the U.S. is making a steady but selective comeback.
Author Archives: blackbox
Thailand and the Russia-Ukraine War: Bending or Gone with the Wind?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted how Thailand’s desire to balance its relations with the major powers, coupled with the deleterious effects of nearly two decades of political turmoil, has enervated the country’s foreign policy.
Resetting the Throw-Away Lifestyle
No politician in both developing and developed nations would be ready to condemn more consumption, more growth and more throw-away. But the alternative need not be anti-consumption. Innovations and nascent movements in sustainable consumption show us more options.
Nahdlatul Ulama ‘Going Global’: Charity Should Begin at Home
The newly-elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama has a grand vision about humanitarian Islam. In practice, however, the policy is found wanting when it comes to attending to the needs of the NU rank and file.
Myanmar Returns to Import Substitution: Primed to Fail
The State Administration Council has initiated a raft of import substitution policies in an attempt to support domestic industralisation. This approach was tried in the past – and failed.
UMNO Assembly Puts Prime Minister’s Back to the Wall
It was all sweetness and light at the recent general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation. But there is more than meets the eye.
Targeting the Tourism Dollar from ASEAN
China is the world’s biggest source of tourists, but ASEAN is not far behind it. As borders open up, it might be worthwhile looking at enticing tourists from ASEAN.
China and Chinese Overseas: A Softer Soft Policy Needed?
This Long Read describes China’s soft power in relation to Chinese overseas who as a whole constitute a potentially important resource for it.
Bangkok’s New Chinatown: Waiting for Another Ka-Ching
Bangkok’s ‘new Chinatown’ flourished when a steady stream of Chinese tourists visited the area. As the country prepares to re-open its borders, the question is whether the area will revisit its glory days.
Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth
With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.