Manila’s decision to withdraw from the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States will benefit China and Russia. Russia’s attempt to cozy up to the Philippines, however, might not be wholly welcomed by Beijing.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Hun Sen’s China Visit: Love in the Time of Coronavirus
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recent visit to Beijing has offered a symbolic show of support for China in its battle against the coronavirus. The visit has strengthened the already close ties between the two countries.
No-Confidence Motion in Thailand: Collateral Damage
Thailand political opposition lacks the votes in the upcoming no-confidence debate. Still, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Thammanas Prompow may yet become collateral damage of the motion.
New Peace Talks in Southern Thailand: a New Hope?
Peace is getting another chance in the Patani region of South Thailand, with plans to initiate dialogue between Thai authorities and the armed separatists of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) in Malaysia next month.
America’s Polling Problems
Faced with China’s growing economic power and a lack of confidence in President Trump, the United States has suffered sharp declines in opinion polls among policy elites in the region.
China’s Emphasis on Ties with Southeast Asia
Beyond strengthening bilateral ties between China and Myanmar, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit is a signal that China is likely to place more emphasis on developing and strengthening ties with Southeast Asia in 2020.
The Future of the Future Forward Party Remains Uncertain
The Future Forward Party has been cleared of various sedition charges. But the party still faces allegations of unlawfully subjecting itself to its leader’s financial domination, putting its future at risk.
China’s Polling Problems
With three recent opinion polls all showing low levels of trust in China as a leading power, it has become undeniable that trust in China isn’t growing in pace with its economic and strategic weight. This is a serious problem for China and Southeast Asia.
Don’t Underestimate Facebook Users in Myanmar
Myanmar’s efforts to combat fake news and hate speech on Facebook are off the mark. They fail to consider the growing digital literacy of Facebook users.
A Tale of Political Walk and Run Rallies in Thailand
A pro-government “Walk to Support Uncle” rally and an anti-government “Run to Oust Uncle” assembly have drawn similar numbers of participants, reflecting the political divide in Thailand.