The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was established in May 2017 to discuss issues of mutual concern in the South China Sea and explore possible areas of cooperation. However, rising tensions in the SCS between China and the Philippines, compounded by the Taiwan issue, have hindered the BCM’s ability to fulfil its original objectives.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Japan and Southeast Asia Set to Co-Create an Interwoven Future
Japan’s decades of cultivating relations with Southeast Asia have not only strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties but also deepened interpersonal and societal interactions, ultimately shifting postwar animosity towards Japan into a prevailing positive sentiment today.
Malaysia–China Economic Relations: Riding the Dragon’s Tail for Structural Transformation
This Long Read argues that strengthening the economic relationship between Malaysia and China can potentially contribute towards Malaysia’s structural transformation in terms of re-industrialisation and greening of its economy.
Like, Subscribe and Vote: The Role of Political Influencers in the 2022 Philippine Elections and Beyond
Social media influencers are emerging political operators in Philippine elections, but unlike high-level strategists and low-level trolls, they occupy a ‘grey area’ in the political economy of influence operations.
Can Bersatu Go It Alone?
This Long Read assesses Bersatu’s prospects for going it alone in the event that Perikatan Nasional (PN) implodes. It argues that its best chance lies in winning seats that used to be UMNO strongholds but are now under PN.
Vietnam and the Russia-Ukraine War: Hanoi’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ Pays Off but Challenges Remain
The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic nexus affects Vietnam more than any other Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is concerned that Beijing may use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnam’s interests in the South China Sea.
Being a Member of an Online Group Can Make You More Accepting of Fake News: The Case of Thailand
This article explores the dynamics of information sharing in online political groups. It tests whether being a member of an online group can make individuals more susceptible to fake news.
Vietnam-U.S. Security Cooperation Prospects under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
This Long Read explains why despite the recent upgrade in diplomatic status, Vietnam-U.S. security cooperation has not reached a new level.
Advancing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific Beyond Indonesia’s Chairmanship
While Indonesia’s Chairmanship in 2023 has advanced the AOIP’s implementation through tangible projects and activities, ASEAN needs to prioritise a consistent and impactful implementation of the AOIP across successive Chairmanships.
Rhetorical Sympathy for the Palestinian Struggle in Malaysia and the Poignant Misuse of ‘Zionism’
Malaysia’s online and offline support for Palestine in light of the 7 October 2023 attacks seems to indicate a dualism in solidarity— voluble support for the Palestinian cause juxtaposed with opposition to taking in Palestinian refugees and asylum seekers.