COMMENTARIES

5 Jul 2021

US-Vietnam Military Relations: Marking Time in China’s Shadow

Robert Sutter

Relations between Vietnam and the United States have advanced markedly, particularly in trade and diplomatic cooperation. But bilateral military relations will continue to be stymied by Vietnam’s approach to China.

2 Jul 2021

All Abuzz About an Anti-parasite Drug

Lee Sue-Ann

A divisive debate has broken out in regional social media over the use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19. The focus of the debate should remain squarely on its effectiveness as a therapeutic treatment for the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Malaysia Philippine Southeast Asia

2 Jul 2021

After Black Sea Encounter, British FONOP in the South China Sea Quite Possible

Ian Storey

As a British Carrier Strike Group heads towards Southeast Asia, speculation is rife that a Royal Navy warship will conduct a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea. A recent incident in the Black Sea may shorten the odds of that happening.

China Russia South China Sea U.K. U.S.

1 Jul 2021

Pandemics and Festivals: Will Covid-19 Transform Our Cultural Events in Future?

Steve K.L. Chan|Kevin S.Y. Tan

In Southeast Asia, mass participation at important cultural festivals amidst a pandemic has contributed to the tragic loss of life. The question is whether and how we can preserve such deeply cherished events without jeopardising precious lives.

COVID-19 Health Religion Southeast Asia

1 Jul 2021

When the Pandemic Spreads Another “Fever”: Regional Autonomy

Tita Sanglee

Some Thai provinces are learning to adapt quickly to the Covid-19 pandemic. This might drive regional efforts for greater independence from Bangkok.

COVID-19 Health Thailand

30 Jun 2021

Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?

Courtney T. Wittekind

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.

Aung San Suu Kyi China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

workers fixing a floater onto a solar panel as part of the construction of a floating solar power farm on Tengeh reservoir in Singapore

30 Jun 2021

Trade and Environmental Disputes May Persist Despite Promising Leaders’ Summit on Climate

Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

At the recent Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change convened by the Biden Administration, several ASEAN leaders emphasised the principle of differentiating levels of economic development between states in their response to climate change. Finding a balance between this principle and ambitious climate targets remains a challenge.

ASEAN Asean Trade Climate Change E.U. Environment U.S.

30 Jun 2021

PLA Overflight near Malaysian Airspace: A Precarious Provocation

Abdul Razak Ahmad|Kuik Cheng-Chwee|Lai Yew Meng

China’s deployment of People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft near Malaysia’s air space last month smacks of hypocrisy and creeping hegemony. Beijing may not be as benevolent as it wants smaller states to believe.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

30 Jun 2021

To Lockdown or Not? Indonesia’s Dilemma in Handling the Covid-19 Second Wave

Yanuar Nugroho

The Jokowi government appears to be on the verge of imposing a hard lockdown to curb a second wave of Covid-19 infections. But this belies longstanding hesitancy to adopt drastic measures that could hurt the economy.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

28 Jun 2021

The Pandemic and Push Towards a Digital Economy: Greater Inequality?

Jayant Menon

The Covid-19 pandemic and the concurrent push towards a digital economy may worsen inequalities. But digitalisation in some parts of Southeast Asia may also increase inclusion, connectivity and incomes in areas where there is freer trade and movement of labour and capital.

COVID-19 Income Inequality Technology