China’s expressed desire to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea rings hollow when one examines its recent actions around Second Thomas Shoal.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Jokowi Playing It Safe by Picking Loyalists to Lead the Indonesian Military
The latest leadership reshuffle in the TNI reflects President Jokowi’s desire to ensure he has loyalists at the helm, as political jockeying intensifies in Indonesia.
What is China Bringing to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN
Last Monday, ASEAN member states met formally with China’s top leader Xi Jinping for the first time to commemorate 30 years of dialogue partnership.
Indonesia’s New Army Chief: Nudging the Country Towards the Sea
The newly-appointed commander of the Indonesian military has an army background. But his appointment comes at a time when Indonesia’s defence challenges fall largely in the maritime domain.
US-China Relations: Guardrails and Third Rails
There is much virtue for smaller states, particularly those in Southeast Asia, in upholding high principles and expressing a desire for a rules-based regional order. These elements, however, are premised on continued stability in Sino-US relations, which is not guaranteed.
Pakatan Harapan to Retake Melaka: Long Odds?
The Pakatan Harapan faces long odds if it wants to return to govern the state of Melaka again. A deep dive into three key seats illustrates the challenges that the coalition faces in polls due tomorrow.
Cambodia and Covid-19: Last to Lock Down, First to Open Up
Cambodia, a lower middle-income country, has enjoyed relative success in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully, its chairing of ASEAN next year will provide the nudge to form a regional travel bubble.
Bumiputeras vs ‘the Others’ in Malaysia’s 2022 Budget: Moral Outrage is Not Enough
The UMNO-Perikatan-governed Bumiputera agenda forges on, with a zealousness that, if unchecked, will spell trouble. But the critique must go beyond moral outrage at the ethnic disparities in the budget and grapple with real alternatives.
Technology and Climate Adaptation: How to Fill the Gap
The adoption of digital technology can help Southeast Asian countries adapt to the effects of climate change.
The 2022 Philippine Elections: Like Father, like Daughter-te
The son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of the current populist president Rodrigo Duterte are seeking to consolidate the power of their inter-dynasty alliance. The formation of an inter-dynasty alliance will have implications for the country’s political landscape for years.