China has subjected Indonesia to maritime grey zone tactics in the South China Sea, much like how Beijing treats disputant states in the South China Sea. While Jakarta is technically not a disputant state, it is in denial about Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions.
Author Archives: blackbox
State Administration Council vs Aung San Suu Kyi: Who Really Wins?
The State Administration Council’s attempts to render Aung San Suu Kyi politically irrelevant might well have an obverse effect.
Russia’s Maritime Exercise With ASEAN: Punching Below Its Weight
The recent ASEAN-Russia Naval Exercise served up a rich dose of symbolism and a signal of Moscow’s resolve to up its profile in the region. The fact remains that Russia’s presence in Southeast Asia should not be exaggerated.
Myanmar: Recognition is the Name of the Game
Myanmar’s State Administration Council and the National Unity Government are battling to win international recognition. Which party triumphs in the end depends on both external factors and internal dynamics.
The ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership What’s in a Name
ASEAN’s decision to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with both China and Australia demonstrates its desire to maintain equilibrium in its relations with all major powers and foster an inclusive multi-polar regional order.
The USS Connecticut Incident: Silent Service, Turbulent Clash?
A recent incident involving a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine underscores the danger of an increasingly congested underwater environment in the South China Sea.
Growing Shariatisation in Indonesia: The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) Moment?
The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) has evolved from a state “lackey” to an organisation with significant influence. With the shariatisation project becoming more mainstream in Indonesia today, this could be MUI’s biggest window of opportunity to further assert its influence.
Myanmar’s Infrastructure Development: A Dire Future
Myanmar has gnawing gaps in its infrastructure development which will affect its economic development in the years to come. To compound matters, the issue is not a priority for the State Administration Council.
World Trade Organisation Talks: Make or Break
The second postponement of the World Trade Organisation’s 12th Ministerial Conference, may only compound its woes. When they meet, a looming North-South divide and the long-standing consensus rule could stymie progress in many areas.
Perikatan Nasional’s Performance in Melaka: Worth a Double Take
The Barisan Nasional victory in the recent elections in Melaka has hogged the headlines. But the performance of other coalitions, such as Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, provides usual indicators for the next national polls.