In response to the US’ latest Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) exercise, China dispatched two warships to warn off the USS Mustin, and proclaimed the mission to be illegal and provocative. So far, only the US is willing to conduct FONOPs around Chinese-occupied features to challenge Beijing’s excessive maritime claims.
Category Archives: Commentaries
China’s New International Development Cooperation Agency and Foreign Aid
China has created the International Development Cooperation Agency to integrate and strengthen its foreign aid programme, so as to ensure the success of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Whether the IDCA will be able to help achieve these goals remains to be seen.
Myanmar-China Relations in 2018: Enter the Dragon
While Western democracies are contemplating sanctions on Myanmar, China has been pursuing closer ties with the country through a series of bilateral visits. With the international pressure over the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar may find itself increasingly dependent on China.
The ASEAN “Consensus” on Migrant Workers: Not Ideal but a Basis to Continue Working
The fact that Asean has arrived at a consensus on the promotion and protection of migrant workers’ rights is a feat in itself. The consensus does not have legal weight, but the expectation is that it would provide some moral suasion for the national implementation of regoinal commitments and the possibility of more mini-lateral initiaitves.
Aung San Suu Kyi Needs to Take an Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution in Rakhine
Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited the Maungtaw district to assure local Rohingya villagers about the government’s development programs for Northern Rakhine. But she failed to meet Rakhine politicians and community leaders To succeed, she will need to build an all-inclusive conflict resolution for Rakhine.
Realities of the Rakhine Issue in Myanmar
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN’s “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN’s gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity.
Huang Jing Case a Test of Nation Building
Singapore’s revocation of the permanent resident status of Huang Jing, a prominent Chinese-American academic, signals the government’s principle in standing up for its core interests. It is a stark reminder of the challenges of nation-building and coherence amid a battle for influence between great powers.
A Futile Call: Making Bahasa Melayu ASEAN’s Official Language
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN’s “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN’s gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity. Instead, it should focus on more urgent and pressing matters of community-building.
New Tensions in Vietnam – China Relations?
While Vietnam – China relations have improved significantly with top-level visits and strengthened economic ties, it has also intensified relations with the US and Japan. These developments create new tensions for bilateral relations between Vietnam and China and destabilize the region.
Why was Thailand’s Prime Minister Absent in the Belt and Road Initiative Summit?
Thailand’s perceived marginalisation from China’s high-profile Belt and Road Initiative Summit has been attributed to problems in the Sino-Thai high-speed railway project and the Thai Prime Minister’s acceptance of the US President’s invitation to visit the White House. The diplomatic snub suggests that Southeast Asian states need a more careful hedging strategy to deal with China.