The US-led war against Iran has given Chinese military planners an insight into the challenges that the US would face in a similar conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Banker in the Hot Seat – Who is Vietnam’s New Prime Minister?
Vietnam’s new premier seems to have what counts, but the odds could go either way.
When US Leadership Loses Its Sheen
Across a broad range of indicators, the US’ broader standing in the region has weakened.
What the Trump-Takaichi Summit Revealed About the US-Japan Alliance
The US-Japan alliance remains secure, but insecurity is mounting in Asia about the firmness of the US’ commitment to the region.
A Harder Balance to Keep in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has traditionally preferred not to take sides in the long-standing Sino-US rivalry. A fall in confidence in the US makes this a harder choice to make.
The Philippines Puts Its Budget on Blockchain: Will This Beat Corruption?
The Philippines has become the first government in the world to put its national budget on a blockchain. It offers a precedent for using the technology’s transparency and immutability to enforce fiscal accountability.
Turning Waste Into Wealth: Chinese Firms Are Expanding Into Southeast Asia
Chinese waste-to-energy companies are expanding into Southeast Asia, where the need for such services has grown.
Squeezed From Both Sides: Prabowo’s Fiscal Reckoning and Governance Implications
Indonesia’s president is caught between a rock and a hard place fiscally and politically.
Chokepoint in the Gulf: What the US-Israeli War on Iran Means For Southeast Asia’s Food Security
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push ASEAN’s farmers and food prices to the brink, but the region has options to ease some of the pressure.
Why Thailand’s Constitutional Reform May Stall
While the Thai public supports constitutional reform, the spirit is less willing within the ruling party.