This Long Read examines the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), which came into force in January 2022. It argues that in order to promote industrialisation and export diversification, developing countries need to adopt an integrated industrial-trade-investment strategy. China, as a global trading power, can play a significant role in this process.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Why China Supports the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
Since 1999, China has expressed its readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol and is the only Nuclear Weapon State willing to do so without reservations. This Long Read explores China’s strategic considerations behind this stance.
Southeast Asian Views on the United States: Perceptions Versus Objective Reality
5-year data trends from the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s State of Southeast Asia annual survey suggest that ASEAN countries have remained ambivalent about the US’ regional leadership role on multiple fronts. While there is still a reservoir of goodwill towards the US in the region, this is being depleted in some countries and cannot be taken for granted.
A Strategic Reset?: The Philippines-United States Alliance under President Marcos Jr
The Philippines-United States alliance has been reinvigorated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected president in May 2022. Since Marcos took office, the two countries have increased the tempo of high-level interactions and military engagements. However, an increasingly influential pro-China lobby composed of national and local politicians, pundits and media are acting in concert to undermine this revitalisation.
Move Forward Party Has Won the Election, but May Lose the Premiership Race
The Move Forward Party’s surprise victory in the Thai general election was a major upset for the Pheu Thai Party. However, Pheu Thai may be better positioned to form the next government. It has the flexibility of working with some parties in the Prayut Administration; whereas Move Forward, which is 63 votes short of winning the premiership, has rejected working with all parties in the previous government coalition.
Why Malaysia’s Unity Government Will (Probably) Survive
Malaysia has seen four changes in government since 2018. Its 15th general election resulted in a grand-coalition government comprising former arch rivals. Will this new government be equally short-lived? This Long Read examines the reasons why Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government may be more stable than one would think.
Japan’s Role in Regional Security: Recalibration and Regional Reactions
Anti-militarist sentiments have been pervasive among ordinary Japanese since World War Two. But as the recent recalibration of Japan’s security and defence policy has shown, the country has not been stuck in the pacifist mould.
Not Yet the End of the World: Tackling Malaysian Muslim Millenarianism in the Age of Social Media
Although millenarian movements are not new in Malaysia, their recent public presence is marked by savvy and creative social media strategies. Their content is easily accessible and well disseminated within and beyond national borders. This Long Read argues deeper sociological studies to better understand the various social conditions behind their popularity.
What’s Interesting about the Thai General Election is not Who Wins but What Comes After
Pheu Thai (PT), Thailand’s chief opposition party, looks certain to win the largest number of House seats in the upcoming general election on 14 May. But coming first in the poll does not guarantee PT the lead in forming a new government.
Malaysia’s 15th General Election: Ethnicity Remains the Key Factor in Voter Preferences
The results of Malaysia’s 15th General Election revealed that ethnicity remains the key factor determining voter behaviour. But in a reversal of previous trends, the coalition that received the most support from the ethnic Malay majority is in the Opposition, while the coalition that received the least Malay support is leading the government. This suggests that the current political configuration is intrinsically fragile.