A new China-Laos military facility constitutes a significant gain for Beijing. But it will trigger concern among regional countries, in particular Vietnam.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia Must Treat AI Influence Operations as a Systemic Threat
Anthropic intercepted a sophisticated operation potentially offering a commercial service to influence Malaysia’s elections. This must be treated as a systemic risk requiring comprehensive regulation.
Southeast Asia’s Food-Security Worries Are Falling, But Not the Risks
Across the region, concerns about food security are easing. But the region’s food security is structural, and the risks have to be mitigated.
Ethnic Quotas in Malaysia Need an Honest Reckoning
Genuine Bumiputera empowerment remains a policy priority. Whether and how to use ethnic quotas must be deliberated with clarity and decisiveness.
Middle Powers Building Strategic Space in the Indo-Pacific: Lessons for Europe
Middle powers in the Indo-Pacific have gone beyond hedging to build strategic space and strengthen resilience. This holds pertinent lessons from Europe.
Why Sarawak’s Abang Johari Cannot Afford to Slip Up
Abang Johari, the premier of Sarawak, needs to win by a convincing margin at the upcoming state polls. This would give his coalition leverage at the federal level.
Vietnam Tests the Limits of Ideological Persuasion
The Communist Party of Vietnam has set out a strategy to build confidence in its leadership. Success will depend on several factors, including credible messengers.
Bank Indonesia’s Dual Mandate: Independence Under Pressure
Bank Indonesia now has a dual mandate, but not the institutional safeguards to manage it. The result is a central bank pulled toward fiscal financing and political oversight — and away from price stability.
Southeast Asia Needs AI Exit Options, Not AI Independence
The region cannot eliminate its dependence on foreign chips, clouds and models. It can, however, ensure that essential AI systems remain affordable, locally effective and replaceable when suppliers or access conditions change.
Thailand Election Commission’s Senate Case Treads Legal and Political Minefields
The Election Commission’s initiation of proceedings against a group of senators for 2024 election collusion raises concerns about conflicts of interest and selective prosecution.