ARTICLES

4 Nov 2022

Will ASEAN Take the Side of the Myanmar People?

Adelina Kamal

Choosing the right approach that best serves the pressing humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people requires ASEAN Leaders to do some new thinking.

14 Oct 2022

When Abstention Speaks Volumes: Thailand’s Turnaround in the UNGA

Ian Storey

Thailand’s decision to abstain from the latest United Nations General Assembly resolution on rejecting Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories raises doubts about Bangkok’s commitment to international laws and norms.

ASEAN Thailand-Russia relations United Nations

12 Oct 2022

What the New U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Can Do

Joanne Lin

Ambassador Abraham’s new mandate in ASEAN, at these most challenging of times, will be extremely vital. He must cultivate strategic trust, and balance the interests of ten diverse countries against the U.S.’ vested interests in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN ASEAN-U.S. Relations Indo-Pacific U.S. Foreign Policy

22 Sep 2022

Unifying Halal Product Certification: ASEAN’s Challenge

Faegheh Shirazi

Halal certification for certain food and drink products is a tricky area and universal standards should be set to better reflect halal consumer needs and religious principles.

ASEAN Halal Certification Islam

7 Sep 2022

ASEAN and Taiwan: Cooperation Opportunities amid Diplomatic Constraints

Melinda Martinus

While there are risks involved in pursuing deeper cooperation with Taiwan beyond trade and economics, ASEAN should not shy away from exploring possibilities even while abiding by the 'One China' policy.

ASEAN Asean Trade Economic Development Foreign Direct Investment Taiwan

1 Sep 2022

Has ASEAN Lost its Appeal to the United Kingdom?

Joanne Lin

The race for the leadership of the Conservative Party has thrown up few clues about London’s approach to ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific. Whoever wins, there is reason to believe that the United Kingdom will retain its strong institutional ties to the region.

ASEAN United Kingdom

29 Aug 2022

Cutting Methane Emissions: Different Strokes for Different Folks

Qiu Jiahui

Many ASEAN countries have adopted ambitious goals to cut their methane emissions. But they might need to use diverse approaches to address the issue.

ASEAN Climate Change Environment

12 Aug 2022

The G7’s Global Infrastructure and Investment Drive: Not So Attractive For Southeast Asia

Chanrith Ngin

The Group of 7’s new infrastructure and investment drive seeks to provide what Southeast Asia needs, such as financing for hard infrastructure. But the need for multiple stakeholders and financing issues might not garner much buy-in from the region.

ASEAN Belt and Road Initiative G7 Infrastructure

12 Aug 2022

When Lack of Jaw Jaw Might Lead to War War

William Choong

Washington and Beijing’s refusal to talk calmly to each other about the ongoing Taiwan crisis raises the stakes for Southeast Asia, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the chill between the great powers.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations China-U.S. Relations

11 Aug 2022

Is the ASEAN Secretariat Overdue for a Renewed Mandate?

Joanne Lin

As ASEAN marks 55 years of existence, the pressing challenge of strengthening and empowering its Secretariat needs to be faced if the organisation is to remain relevant.

ASEAN International Relations