Vietnam and Singapore commemorated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July. Looking ahead, the two partners can deepen the relationship by focusing on initiatives in the South China Sea and the Mekong.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Promoting Local Business for Marawi’s Rehabilitation and Peace
Business for peace (B4P) studies have identified how business activities contribute to peace. Marawi’s reconstruction calls for business engagement that will support the pride and dignity of the local Maranao people.
Jokowi’s (Worst) Reshuffle: A Loss for the Country But Does He Gain?
President Joko Widodo’s cabinet reshuffle last week was a calculated move to shore up his position rather than improve policy performance.
Why Cambodia Should Hedge by Engaging India More
Cambodia has become increasingly dependent on China and the West. It is high time for Phnom Penh to hedge by engaging India more.
Vietnam’s Suspension of Online Magazine: When Even the Compliant Are Not Safe
Vietnam has suspended the licence of a popular news site which has largely been supportive of the party line. This does not augur well for other media, given their already precarious position.
The Code of Conduct for the South China Sea: Movement in lieu of Progress
Observers following the long saga surrounding negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should not be faulted if they feel a sense of déjà vu.
Jokowi’s Manoeuvres in Defiance of Megawati Aimed at Consolidating Future Position
How does an outgoing president secure his political future without the usual party mechanism?
Pita (and the People) Versus the Powers that Be
Pita Limjaroenrat has failed to secure approval as Thailand’s next prime minister. This underscores the stark reality: leaders in Thailand are not elected by the will of the people, but permitted to rise to power with the support or at least the acquiescence of the conservative establishment.
Middle-Power Diplomacy: Decoding Vietnam’s Recent Diplomatic Endeavours
Vietnam’s continued engagement with regional middle powers such as India and South Korea enhances its autonomy in a time of intensified great power competition between China and the U.S.
NATO Expansion Does Not Justify Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Apologists for the Russian invasion of Ukraine lay the blame on NATO’s eastward expansion. But Russian discomfort over the expansion cannot justify its brutal invasion of Ukraine.