Southeast Asians recognise China’s burgeoning influence in the region, but there are nuances to the geopolitical dynamics. The region needs to manage its relationship with the rising global power; China needs to address the lack of confidence that it will “do the right thing”.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Will the Confucian Religion Develop Further in Indonesia?
The quiet support of the current administration for the tiny minority of Confucianists in Indonesia, who are mostly ethnic Chinese Indonesians, could speak volumes about not just religious but more worldly concerns.
Choosing China over the U.S.: Neither a Tidal Shift Nor a Sea Change
The U.S. was ASEAN’s preferred major power to align with since the 2020 State of Southeast Asia survey. But this year, more respondents are leaning toward China than the U.S. Southeast Asia may remain engaged with the U.S. while harbouring apprehensions towards China, but the tide may be shifting.
Malaysia’s Carbon Credit Conundrum: For Putrajaya to Unlock the Potential, State Governments Must Provide the Keys
Environmental conservation and economic opportunity can potentially converge through generating carbon credits based on Malaysia’s forests. However, the federal government must overcome the jurisdictional complexities that arise from the reality that forest management is predominantly governed by state authorities.
Malaysia’s Sock Scandal: The Sound of Silence
The situation is tense in Malaysia following a fiery fracas over foot coverings.
Vietnam’s Social Listening Programme: Big Brother Looming Over Ho Chi Minh City?
Locals in Ho Chi Minh City worry that a new government initiative for social listening powered by artificial intelligence would jeopardise their privacy rather than improve public services.
Vietnam’s High-Potential Energy Transition Needs Clear Policy And Clean Government
Vietnam’s green growth commitments crucially depend on expanding renewable energy and replacing coal. The country must seize the rich opportunities on hand and manage the transition with a clear plan and effective, corruption-free administration.
Conscription in Myanmar Pushing Young Men to Choose Sides
The State Administration Council is seeking to revive Myanmar’s policy of conscription. Instead of bolstering national solidarity, it will undermine it.
Southeast Asia’s Soldiers of Fortune in the Russia-Ukraine War
A small number of Southeast Asians are fighting in the war in Ukraine. They appear to be motivated by a mix of factors.
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)’s Green Proposition: A Hard Chug
Malaysia is seeking to promote greener modes in freight transportation via the ECRL. This is laudable, but not without a set of challenges.