The US has gained brownie points among Southeast Asians, who put great store in Washington championing free trade and upholding the rules-based order. But Washington has its work cut out for it in deepening economic linkages to Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.
Author Archives: blackbox
Myanmar Crisis: A Humanitarian Stalemate or Fresh Opportunities?
The upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers retreat affords an opportunity to consider fresh approaches to break the current humanitarian stalemate in Myanmar.
2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey: Diverse Perspectives and Hard Realities
The US has gained ground against China in the contest for regional influence in Southeast Asia, according to the latest State of Southeast Asia Survey. ASEAN continues to be seen as ineffective in the eyes of respondents; at the same time, they are willing to give it credit when it is due.
Harnessing RCEP to Harvest ASEAN’s Unicorns
Can regional free trade agreements facilitate further development of start-ups and unicorns in ASEAN? The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement does just that by providing an expanded regional market, bolstering protection of intellectual property and enhancing rules in services and e-commerce.
Philippines Presidential Polls: Economic Recovery at Stake
There is a lot at stake in the Philippines’ 2022 presidential polls, especially where the economy is concerned. The new president faces the formidable challenge of putting the economy on a steady course to recovery.
What Indonesians Want Most in their President
Polls on voter preferences consistently suggest that Indonesians value ‘honesty’ and ‘care for the people’ as the two most important traits that Indonesia’s President should have.
Will America Greenlight the Sale of F-35s to Thailand?
The chief of Thailand’s air force wants to buy eight American-built F-35 fighter jets. While the sale would be a shot in the arm for the US-Thailand alliance, Washington may be reluctant to approve the sale because of Thailand’s growing military ties with China.
30 Years of ASEAN-India Relations: Taking Stock
As ASEAN and India commemorate the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations this year, the two parties have little to show in terms of functional collaboration. A reassessment of the relationship should focus on three areas: connectivity, trade and public health.
Chinese Students in Thailand: Cash Cow, At a Cost
Thailand is reaping the benefits of a steady stream of Chinese students being enrolled in its universities. The trend, however, is not cost-free.
Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Trends and Opportunities
The Covid-19 crisis has stalled the delivery of much-needed climate finance to developing countries. For Southeast Asia, a region frequently cited as being one of the most vulnerable regions threatened by climate change, the broken promise of climate finance is highly disappointing.