COMMENTARIES

5 Apr 2018

A “New Generation” Leader for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy?

Ye Htut

Even though Myanmar's President is both the head of state and head of government, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is still the de facto leader of Myanmar, with all important policy decisions needing her approval. This heavy burden, along with Ms Suu Kyi's advancing age, may necessitate a shift to a new generation of more pro-active leadership.

27 Mar 2018

US Conducts 6th South China Sea FONOP under Trump

Ian Storey

In response to the US' latest Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) exercise, China dispatched two warships to warn off the USS Mustin, and proclaimed the mission to be illegal and provocative. So far, only the US is willing to conduct FONOPs around Chinese-occupied features to challenge Beijing's excessive maritime claims.

FONOPs South China Sea U.S.

15 Mar 2018

China’s New International Development Cooperation Agency and Foreign Aid

Lye Liang Fook

China has created the International Development Cooperation Agency to integrate and strengthen its foreign aid programme, so as to ensure the success of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Whether the IDCA will be able to help achieve these goals remains to be seen.

Belt and Road Initiative China Foreign Aid

5 Jan 2018

Myanmar-China Relations in 2018: Enter the Dragon

Ye Htut

While Western democracies are contemplating sanctions on Myanmar, China has been pursuing closer ties with the country through a series of bilateral visits. With the international pressure over the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar may find itself increasingly dependent on China.

China China-Myanmar Relations

16 Nov 2017

The ASEAN “Consensus” on Migrant Workers: Not Ideal but a Basis to Continue Working

Moe Thuzar

The fact that Asean has arrived at a consensus on the promotion and protection of migrant workers' rights is a feat in itself. The consensus does not have legal weight, but the expectation is that it would provide some moral suasion for the national implementation of regoinal commitments and the possibility of more mini-lateral initiaitves.

ASEAN Migrant Workers Myanmar

5 Nov 2017

Aung San Suu Kyi Needs to Take an Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution in Rakhine

Ye Htut

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited the Maungtaw district to assure local Rohingya villagers about the government's development programs for Northern Rakhine. But she failed to meet Rakhine politicians and community leaders To succeed, she will need to build an all-inclusive conflict resolution for Rakhine.

Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar Rakhine

29 Aug 2017

Realities of the Rakhine Issue in Myanmar

Ye Htut

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib's proposal to adopt the Malay language as ASEAN's “main and official language” is unrealistic and divisive. It could also rollback ASEAN's gains in positioning the regional organisation as a global entity.

Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar Rakhine

7 Aug 2017

Huang Jing Case a Test of Nation Building

Benjamin Loh

Singapore's revocation of the permanent resident status of Huang Jing, a prominent Chinese-American academic, signals the government's principle in standing up for its core interests. It is a stark reminder of the challenges of nation-building and coherence amid a battle for influence between great powers.

China-Singapore Relations Chinese Migrants Singapore

31 Jul 2017

A Futile Call: Making Bahasa Melayu ASEAN’s Official Language

Tang Siew Mun

ASEAN Bahasa Malaysia Malaysia

20 Jun 2017

New Tensions in Vietnam – China Relations?

Le Hong Hiep

While Vietnam – China relations have improved significantly with top-level visits and strengthened economic ties, it has also intensified relations with the US and Japan. These developments create new tensions for bilateral relations between Vietnam and China and destabilize the region.

China-Vietnam Relations U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam