The US has reduced its overseas assistance to Laos significantly. At a time when other countries are following suit, Vientiane will be hard-pressed to find alternatives.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Trump’s Tariff Reversal: An Opportunity for Trade Realignment in Southeast Asia
As trade policy takes a volatile turn under the US leader, ASEAN can seize the moment to diversify global partnerships and assert a stronger voice in the international trade order.
From Resistance to Survival: Myanmar’s Free Press Battles US Aid Cuts
The repercussions of the US’ funding freeze on foreign assistance resonate deeply in Southeast Asia, including in one of the countries where press freedom and independent reportage are most threatened.
Xi’s Southeast Asia Tour: China Needs More Than a Charm Offensive
China has embarked on a charm offensive in Southeast Asia in the wake of the US’ “Liberation Day” tariffs. This is unlikely to allay concerns about its regional behaviour.
Will Trump Maintain the East Asian Power Balance?
Interpreting the US’ intentions for East and Southeast Asia, given the uncertainty unleashed by the present American leadership, is challenging but necessary. At stake is nothing less than the region’s strategic balance.
Vietnam’s New Revolution: Will Provincial Mergers Bring Disruptions or Opportunities?
If all goes well, Vietnam’s bold administrative reform to trim its local and provincial bureaucracy and governments could unleash more power in the country’s socioeconomic engines and secure its leader’s legacy. Teething problems can be expected, nonetheless.
US Tariffs and ASEAN Food Security: Turning Short-Term Pain into Long-Term Gain
Southeast Asia could use this disruption in food trade to strengthen collaboration, reduce dependency, and create a truly integrated regional market.
China’s Open-Source Revolution in Generative AI: Policy and Business Implications for Southeast Asia
China has led the way in providing ‘open weight’ large language models (LLMs) such as DeepSeek-R1. This means that governments and companies in Southeast Asia can access them more easily and cheaply.
The Geopolitical Risks of Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Fracas
Sarawak is embarking on a broad effort to reclaim full autonomy over its oil and gas sector from Putrajaya. But the risks might outweigh the benefits.
Xi’s Visit to Vietnam: It’s Not All About Trump
Hanoi’s welcome of the Chinese president amid the global tariff war is a harbinger of steadfast commitment to serving Vietnam’s national interests and development, rather than a picking of sides.