7 May 2026 The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey Southeast Asia: Not Choosing Sides but Options Joanne Lin|Melinda Martinus Dealt a tough deck of geopolitical cards, Southeast Asia wagers on flexibility and plurilateralism. ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-US Relations State of Southeast Asia Survey
7 Apr 2026 The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey A Harder Balance to Keep in Southeast Asia Joanne Lin Southeast Asia has traditionally preferred not to take sides in the long-standing Sino-US rivalry. A fall in confidence in the US makes this a harder choice to make. ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-US Relations State of Southeast Asia Survey
9 Feb 2026 Thailand’s Trade Imbalance and Stunted Industrialisation: Will the Upgraded ASEAN-China Trade Agreement Help? Juthathip Jongwanich Thailand could leverage on the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) to redress its burgeoning trade deficit with China and get its industrial development plans back on track. ASEAN-China Relations International Trade Thailand
7 Aug 2025 How China Might Retaliate Against Southeast Asia’s US Trade Deals Olivia Tan Jia Yi Southeast Asia has more clarity on US tariffs and trade conditions, but China’s reaction looms on the horizon. The region's position is particularly precarious because China wields substantial leverage across lending, investment, and trade. ASEAN-China Relations International Trade
25 Jul 2025 China’s Global Security Initiative: Not About Picking Sides Qian Yuming China has sought to promote its Global Security Initiative in Southeast Asia by implementing tangible projects in regional countries. ASEAN-China Relations China Security
9 Jul 2025 Eating Chinese Soft Power Isabelle Chua Isabelle Chua analyses the rapid expansion of Chinese food brands, highlighting how this trend has become an informal yet influential form of Chinese soft power in Southeast Asia. ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEANFocus China F&B
27 Jun 2025 The Elusive Code: Why ASEAN Needs a New Playbook for the South China Sea Joanne Lin|Pou Sothirak The Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations between ASEAN and China have reached an impasse, hindered by legal ambiguities, strategic divergences, and ASEAN’s internal divisions. ASEAN must move away from a binary approach that equates success with legal binds, and instead explore more pragmatic alternatives. ASEAN Summit ASEAN-China Relations Code of Conduct South China Sea State of Southeast Asia Survey
11 Jun 2025 Rightsizing the Risks of China’s Export Redirection to Southeast Asia Maria Monica Wihardja|Aufa Doarest Faced with a potential tsunami of Chinese imports, ASEAN countries might feel tempted to effect gut-reaction measures such as trade barriers. For better policy making, some data-based perspectives will be useful. ASEAN-China Relations China Trade
8 May 2025 ASEAN Faces a Tougher Balancing Act in US and China Trade Relations Kristina Fong Siew Leng ASEAN countries find themselves in a more delicate position trying to address US concerns while maintaining favourable relations with China. ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-US Relations China Economy Southeast Asia US
23 Apr 2025 Xi’s Southeast Asia Tour: China Needs More Than a Charm Offensive Phan Xuan Dung|Nguyen Khac Giang China has embarked on a charm offensive in Southeast Asia in the wake of the US’ “Liberation Day” tariffs. This is unlikely to allay concerns about its regional behaviour. ASEAN-China Relations China
