Chinese companies are producing C-Pop content outside China in a bid to circumvent controls at home.
Category Archives: Commentaries
State Complicity in Religious Intolerance under the Widodo Administration
Religious intolerance against minority faiths is a thorn in the body politic of Indonesia that each president has not been able to fully extract. It does not help when local officials confuse or overstep the bounds of their authority.
Cambodia’s Trilateral Deal Pullout Strains its Relations with Vietnam
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam tripartite split signals an assertive Cambodia and the onset of a precipitous deterioration in its ties with Vietnam.
Ringgit’s Appreciation: A Longer View
The ringgit’s recent appreciation has been attributed to sound government policies. Based on economic fundamentals, however, such an appreciation might not be sustainable in the long run.
Malaysia’s Purchase of Kuwaiti Hornets: Is It Worth It?
On the surface, Malaysia’s planned purchase of Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait looks prudent. But there are deeper considerations to mull over.
Budget 2025: Politics Likely to Prevail Over Subsidy Reforms
It makes sense for the Anwar administration to lift subsidies on petrol and reconsider putting back the goods and services tax. The problem is that of politics.
Outlook for the Prabowo Administration’s Foreign Policy
Incoming Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto can be expected to be more active than his predecessor in managing Indonesia’s foreign and defence policy. The question is whether the region will see a more assertive Indonesia under Prabowo.
Anticipating the Prabowo Administration’s First Moves
The next president of Indonesia has ambitious plans for his country but a widely anticipated growth in the number of ministers and ministries in his administration could jeopardise quick results.
Ishiba’s New Security Proposals: A Bridge Too Far for ASEAN?
New Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba has brought some new security proposals to the region. They are unlikely to find a warm reception.
Mpox: Can ASEAN Build Resilience to Tackle Health Threats?
Compared to ASEAN’s reaction to Covid-19, the region’s public health response to mpox is more assured and united but still requires reinforcement and reinvention, if true resilience is a goal.