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ASEAN–Korea Relations: Achieving a Resilient Partnership

ASEANFocus+ is privileged to interview His Excellency Lee Jang-keun, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Ambassador to ASEAN, as ASEAN-ROK relations enter a new phase. Last year, the partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) as both sides celebrated the 35th anniversary of their dialogue relations. This is a testament to the depth and significance of ASEAN-Korea relations amid shifting geostrategic dynamics. As we look ahead, how can ASEAN and the ROK work together to navigate uncertainties, strengthen regional cooperation, and unlock new opportunities? Ambassador Lee shares his insights on these critical questions and the ROK’s vision for deepening its partnership with ASEAN.

Great Power Competition in Technology: Implications for ASEAN

Amid great power tensions, Elina Noor suggests measures that ASEAN can take to proactively shape its technological future, highlighting the importance of a people-centred approach.

Southeast Asia Will Be Challenged by Trump 2.0

Sarang Shidore suggests that deeper intra-ASEAN coordination could help the region cope amidst uncertainties surrounding US foreign policy under Trump 2.0.

Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024: Advancing Regional Economic Integration, Connectivity and Resilience

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy evaluates how the key achievements of Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship contributed to the region’s resilience and unity.

Roundtable on the Return of Trump and Implications for ASEAN-US Relations

The re-election of Donald Trump as the President of the US for a second term is poised to reshape the trajectory of ASEAN-US relations, bringing significant shifts across multiple domains. In December, ASEANFocus+ sought experts’ insights on how the dynamics of this partnership are expected to evolve, in areas of geopolitics, trade, the South China Sea, technological governance, energy, and environmental cooperation.

Fraud with Danger: The Rise of Cyber Scams in Southeast Asia

Lance Wu investigates the prevalence of cyber scams in the region and the challenges in responding to them while protecting ASEAN’s digital transformation.

Making Carbon Trading Work: Exploring Collaboration between Japan and ASEAN Countries

Julie de los Reyes and Katrina Navallo suggest several strategies to make carbon trading between Japan and ASEAN effective.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations in an Evolving World

Yanitha Meena Louis argues that for the ASEAN-India relationship to reach its full potential, it must move beyond surface-level engagement and delve deeper into strategic issues that reflect the dynamic roles of both parties in a constantly evolving world.

A Small Country’s Big Moment in ASEAN Amid Challenges

Joanne Lin, Sharon Seah, Melinda Martinus, and Kristina Fong examine the outcomes of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and assess Laos’ achievement as the ASEAN Chair.