From beefing up its military presence in the islands near Vietnam to overt attempts at curtailing Vietnam’s commercial activities in the South China Sea through the threat of force, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Hanoi to coerce Vietnam into compromising its maritime claims in favour of China’s interests.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The Future of China’s Investment in Malaysia under Mahathir
While Mahathir’s new government has no issues with foreign direct investment from China, the same cannot be said of Chinese investments funded by loans guaranteed by the previous government – particularly infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the numerous port projects that may pose a security risk.
Whither Malaysia’s China Policy Under Prime Minister Mahathir?
Despite his highly vocal stance that Malaysia has become too dependent on China, the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China is unlikely to change drastically under Prime Minister Mahathir. China is too important as an economic partner for Malaysia, and Malaysia being is too influential within ASEAN for China to upset.
ASEAN Smart Cities Network: Preparing For the Future
Introduced at the 32nd ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network aims to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens using technology as an enabler. Comprising 26 pilot cities across all ten ASEAN member states, it is the first step towards regional cooperation in a digital future.
Seamless ASEAN Sky: Policymakers Need to Look Beyond Obstacles
The 32nd ASEAN Summit ended with a commitment towards a Seamless ASEAN Sky. Both the trajectory to open skies across ASEAN member states will see some turbulence. Necessary reforms are needed to make the concept a reality.
Coming Top Personnel Changes Important for Vietnam’s Political Prospects
With three Politburo members unable to fulfil their five-year terms due to health or legal issues and one more tipped to be the frontrunner as the next President, the upcoming plenum will be one to watch closely, as the appointment of new members to the Politburo will have important implications for Vietnam’s political prospects.
President U Win Myint’s Debut at the ASEAN Summit
Myanmar President U Win Myint’s debut at the ASEAN Summit will be watched closely. They will compare his performance to Daw Suu’s – in particular, how he will address the Rohingya crisis.
What Drives Vietnam’s Public Security Forces Restructuring?
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring exercise that will see a leaner and more efficient structure. The restructuring can also be seen as part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign against corruption.
A “New Generation” Leader for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy?
Even though Myanmar’s President is both the head of state and head of government, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is still the de facto leader of Myanmar, with all important policy decisions needing her approval. This heavy burden, along with Ms Suu Kyi’s advancing age, may necessitate a shift to a new generation of more pro-active leadership.
US Conducts 6th South China Sea FONOP under Trump
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.