COMMENTARIES

7 Jul 2021

Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Overcoming the Trust Deficit on the Mekong

Richard Grünwald

The Lancang Mekong Cooperation has suffered a deficit of trust following the publication of a study in April 2020 raising concerns over the impact of Chinese mainstream dams on the Mekong’s water flow. To overcome the trust deficit on the Mekong, it is important to depoliticise hydrological science by ensuring compliance with standard research procedures and collaboration among relevant institutions.

7 Jul 2021

Why the New Indonesia-US Maritime Training Centre is Strategically Important

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A new maritime training centre established by Indonesia and the United States is emblematic of sustained bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, and the ASEAN member state’s independent and active foreign policy.

Indo-Pacfic Indonesia South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

6 Jul 2021

Myanmar’s Garment Industry After the Coup: Threadbare and in Tatters

Su-Ann Oh

Five months after the February coup, the future of Myanmar's garment industry hangs by a thread.

COVID-19 Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military

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.

China U.S.-Vietnam Relations US Vietnam

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. US

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 US