ARTICLES

25 Apr 2024

The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea: Has it Worked for China?

Lye Liang Fook

The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was established in May 2017 to discuss issues of mutual concern in the South China Sea and explore possible areas of cooperation. However, rising tensions in the SCS between China and the Philippines, compounded by the Taiwan issue, have hindered the BCM’s ability to fulfil its original objectives.

18 Apr 2024

Southeast Asia and the Chip Wars: Navigating a Decoupling World

John Lee

The race for some Southeast Asian countries to anchor themselves in the global semiconductor industry is open and evolving, even as it is complicated by factors like great power rivalry.

China China-U.S. Relations Southeast Asia Technology U.S.

16 Apr 2024

Analysing Prabowo Subianto’s Visits to China, Japan, and Malaysia

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

A defence minister’s courtesy calls take on a different significance, albeit only slightly, when he will take over as Indonesia’s president in a matter of months.

China Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Japan Malaysia

5 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Uncovering ASEAN Private Sector Sentiments on Their Choice of Strategic Economic Partner

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

A deep dive into private sector sentiments can yield some insight into ASEAN’s preferred economic partner of choice.

ASEAN China China-U.S. Relations E.U. Japan State of Southeast Asia Survey U.S.

3 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Navigating China’s Influence: Insights from the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey

Joanne Lin

Southeast Asians recognise China’s burgeoning influence in the region, but there are nuances to the geopolitical dynamics. The region needs to manage its relationship with the rising global power; China needs to address the lack of confidence that it will "do the right thing”.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations China State of Southeast Asia Survey

2 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Choosing China over the U.S.: Neither a Tidal Shift Nor a Sea Change

Sharon Seah

The U.S. was ASEAN’s preferred major power to align with since the 2020 State of Southeast Asia survey. But this year, more respondents are leaning toward China than the U.S. Southeast Asia may remain engaged with the U.S. while harbouring apprehensions towards China, but the tide may be shifting.

China Southeast Asia State of Southeast Asia Survey U.S.

1 Mar 2024

Liu Jianchao: New Foreign Minister, Same Foreign Policy?

Lye Liang Fook

Liu Jianchao could become China’s next foreign minister. While he could improve China’s outreach efforts, he is unlikely to bring about any significant change in China’s foreign policy.

China china politics China-U.S. Relations

29 Feb 2024

Cambodia and Japan: Firm Friends Amid Great Power Rivalry

Chhay Lim

Cambodia and Japan have elevated their bilateral ties. But this is not without challenges, given different positions in the ensuing Sino-U.S. rivalry.

Cambodia China Japan

28 Feb 2024

The “Small Yard, High Fence” Mirage: Why Sino-U.S. Tech Competition Will Not Be Contained

John Lee

The U.S.’ “small yard, high fence” strategy of restricting key technologies from China would be difficult to effect in practice.

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

21 Feb 2024

China’s “Two Mountains” Framework: Varied Responses from Southeast Asia

Kuah Khun Eng

China has long been propagating its Two Mountains theory to address climate change. But many Southeast Asian countries have tailored the concept according to their own needs.

China China-Southeast Asia relations Climate Change