India’s diplomatic outreach to key Southeast Asian countries belie the fact that many of the same countries view New Delhi with low confidence.
Category Archives: Commentaries
MUDA’s Next Phase: Leadership Transition and GE16 Strategy
Some observers have written off MUDA’s electoral prospects ahead of the next general elections in Malaysia. This might be a tad premature.
Southeast Asia: Not Choosing Sides but Options
Dealt a tough deck of geopolitical cards, Southeast Asia wagers on flexibility and plurilateralism.
BT or Not BT: Vietnam’s Infrastructure Development Dilemma
Vietnam has revived Build-Transfer projects five years after banishing them for corruption risks. The efficiency and development reasons are clear — as are the perils that demand stronger institutions.
Why Not All Indonesian Muslims Support Iran
Most Indonesian Muslims are against the US-Israeli war against Iran. But some of them evince anti-Iran sentiment stemming from their belief that Shi’a Islam is a heretical sect.
Sino-Philippine Energy Cooperation in the South China Sea: A Chimera
Faced with an energy crisis at home, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has broached the idea of joint energy cooperation with China. The idea will not fly, for a variety of reasons.
How ASEAN Can Reduce Its Heavy Dependence on Imported Agricultural Inputs
ASEAN should enhance efficiency of fertiliser application, increase local fertiliser production, and fortify policies on pesticides and seeds.
Still Legally Relevant: The South China Sea Award After Ten Years
The 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea has subtly shifted claimant states’ practices, a decade on.
To Lam’s Visit to China: Charting a ‘New Era’ in Sino-Vietnam Ties
To Lam’s recent visit to China helps Vietnam to realise its national ambitions. Hanoi is mindful of the risks of such an engagement, which will need to be managed carefully.
Is Penang’s Inter-faith Appreciation Under Threat?
The cancellation of a Hari Raya open house by a temple association in Penang has underscored the need to design interfaith engagements which are possible under certain conditions.