Xi Jinping’s vision for the “Great Rejuvenation of the Pan-Chinese Nation” and “China Dream” emphasises a shared ancestry and cultural identity among ethnic Chinese, both within China and abroad. Through “united front work,” the People’s Republic of China (PRC) thus seeks to unite “Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad” under a common civilisational narrative. Despite its rhetoric of unity and shared heritage, however, the PRC offers limited legal and political protection to overseas Chinese.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Thailand’s Land Bridge: Navigating Geopolitical and Investor Concerns
Thailand’s land bridge project faces challenges in managing geopolitical rivalries and competing with advanced ports in neighbouring countries. Additionally, logistical issues such as transit times and reloading processes could diminish potential time savings. Thailand could instead pursue more cost-effective options to improve existing port and overland infrastructure and boost competitiveness.
Indonesia’s Probable Foreign Policy Shift from the West under a Prabowo Administration
Under Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is expected to further distance itself from traditional Western alliances — a trend initiated during Jokowi’s administration — by prioritising partnerships within Asia, particularly with China for trade and investment, and strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and BRICS.
Challenges and Priorities for Myanmar’s Conflicted Economy
Myanmar’s economy in 2024 continued to struggle with slow growth, high inflation, increasing poverty, and declining real wages. Its near-term economic prospects are weak, weighed down by conflict, outmigration, uncertainty, and State Administration Council (SAC) policies that extract from the real economy to resource the regime.
The Resurgent Role of the Monarchy in Malaysia
The influence of Malaysia’s monarchy has waxed and waned over time, influenced by the relative power and legitimacy of the country’s elected leaders. Since 2020, the power of the monarchy has increased due to the contested authority and unsure parliamentary majority of the last three prime ministers.
Envisioning a Low-Carbon Future: Sarawak’s Journey Towards Sustainable Development
Mindful of the pressing challenge of climate change, Sarawak is leveraging its resource richness and cultural diversity to foster a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive future.
Ominous Political Storm Gathers over Thai-Cambodian Dispute in Gulf of Thailand
The Paetongtarn Administration is following Thaksin Shinawatra’s advice in preparing to resume negotiations with Phnom Penh on conflicting maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. Opponents of the Shinawatra family suspect a collusion between Thaksin and Hun Sen to speed up a deal on joint exploration.
The Impact and Complexity of Saudi Funding on the Dissemination of Wahhabism and Salafism in Indonesia
While the Indonesian government still needs to be vigilant about Saudi funding to promote Wahhabism and Salafism, the reforms under the Saudi Crown Prince Muhamad bin Salman towards a more moderate brand of Islam have also opened up opportunities to attract more Saudi investment into Indonesia and to boost Indonesia’s exports to Saudi Arabia.
Malaysia’s Bumiputera Transformation 2035 Needs Rigour, Fairness and Self-Awareness
The Anwar administration’s PuTERA35 transformation plan for the next decade underscores the prevailing socioeconomic gaps in the Bumiputera community’s participation, capability, and ownership. Whether the community makes the long-desired breakthroughs will hinge on rigorous policy formulation, coordination, and execution.
The Economic Implications of Donald Trump’s Presidency for Southeast Asia
Amid intensifying US-China tensions under Trump, technological advancements are heightening the relevance of economic security considerations, especially for products containing dual-use technologies. This holds important implications for Southeast Asian countries deeply embedded into regional and global supply chains.