ARTICLES

Cargo containers stacked at Yantian port

21 Jul 2021

Unpacking China’s Merchandise Trade with ASEAN during the Global Pandemic

Xiaojun Li

While the global merchandise trade shrank by 5.3% as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between China and ASEAN increased in the meantime by 6.7%, thanks not only to a steady increase in bilateral trade but also to the relative decline of trade between China with its other major trading partners.

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.

ASEAN-China Relations China Japan Mekong River South Korea Thailand

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. U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

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.S. UK

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

30 Jun 2021

PLA Overflight near Malaysian Airspace: A Precarious Provocation

Abdul Razak Ahmad|Kuik Cheng-Chwee|Lai Yew Meng

China’s deployment of People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft near Malaysia’s air space last month smacks of hypocrisy and creeping hegemony. Beijing may not be as benevolent as it wants smaller states to believe.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

17 Jun 2021

Giving Chinese Vaccines A Shot

Khairulanwar Zaini

As Southeast Asian countries look for Covid-19 vaccines to protect their populations, two things matter: reliability and availability. For now, China — rather than Western sources — ticks the correct boxes.

China COVID-19 Southeast Asia Vaccine Diplomacy

16 Jun 2021

China’s Submarine Salvage Operation for Indonesia: A Double-edged Sword?

Ian Storey

China recently offered assistance to Indonesia in salvaging a stricken submarine. On the surface, the offer could be purely altruistic. But there could be more than meets the eye.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia

15 Jun 2021

China and Indonesia: The Limits of Transactionalism

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

Indonesia’s transactional approach in its relations with China has its merits. But there are limits, given the need for Jakarta to maintain relationships with other regional powers.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia

11 Jun 2021

ASEAN’s Climate Cooperation with China and the US: Challenges and Prospects

Sharon Seah

The US is back in the international climate cooperation game, but it has a lot to catch up on to make up for the last four years when it chose not to play.

ASEAN China Environment U.S.