Eugene R.L. Tan

High Mast, Low Draft: The UK’s Indo-Pacific Deployment

William Choong|Eugene R.L. Tan

Notwithstanding an ongoing high-profile naval deployment, the UK cannot be considered a credible power in the Indo-Pacific as long as it tiptoes around the security challenges from China.

The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025

Turbulent Waters Remain Top of Mind

Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan

China has sought to paint a narrative about a peaceful situation in the South China Sea. But Southeast Asian respondents to the State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025 beg to differ.

The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025

Beijing Retains Considerable Weight in Regional Perceptions

Sharon Seah|Eugene R.L. Tan

Despite some apprehension about its actions, Beijing continues to retain considerable weight among Southeast Asian elites. This should improve if China learns to temper its assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.

UK and the Indo-Pacific: Get Real about Progressive Realism

Eugene R.L. Tan|William Choong

The UK might be scaling down its footprint into the Indo-Pacific. This is a bad idea.

Engaging Southeast Asia: The EU’s role as a Resilient and Reliable Middle Power?

Eugene R.L. Tan|Joanne Lin

The European Union (EU) is consistently seen in Southeast Asia as the preferred and trusted “third party” in hedging against the uncertainties of US-China rivalry and in its reputation for “doing the right thing” in the wider interests of the global community. But it needs to recognise the practical limitations Southeast Asian countries have in complying with its regulations and can do more to support capacity building programmes in the region.