ARTICLES

China's President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. (Photo by Andrea VERDELLI / POOL / AFP)

23 Oct 2023

Mainland Chinese Workers in Brunei Darussalam: Living in a Bubble

Chang-Yau Hoon|Kaili Zhao

The relationship between China and Brunei has grown significantly, but the level of people-to-people exchanges leaves much to be desired.

Brunei China

U.S. President Joe Biden makes a toast with Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong (R) during a State luncheon at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on September 11, 2023.

15 Sep 2023

Vietnam and Washington’s “De-risking” Strategy: It’s the Economy, Stupid

Nguyen Khac Giang

The historic upgrade in Vietnam-U.S. relations has more to do with the economics than defence and security.

15 Sep 2023

Vietnamese Perceptions in a Changing Sino-US Relationship

Sharon Seah|Indira Zahra Aridati

Data from the State of Southeast Asia Surveys from 2020 to 2023 suggests that while Vietnamese opinion-leaders’ views of China have oscillated over the past four years, trust in the US remains consistent.

China U.S. Vietnam

Chinese soldiers attend the Cambodia-China "Golden Dragon 2023" joint military exercise at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Center in Cambodia, March 23, 2023.

8 Sep 2023

China’s Military Exercises in Southeast Asia Belie Lack of Trust

Ian Storey

The PLA has increased the number of military exercises conducted with its smaller regional neighbours this year. But the scope, frequency and sophistication of the exercises still lag behind those conducted by the United States.

China China-Southeast Asia relations Defence

This photo taken on August 22, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship (L) shadowing Philippine coast guard ship BRP Cabra closely during the re-supply mission by a civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies to Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea.

6 Sep 2023

China’s Claim on the South China Sea: How Many Dashes Make a Line?

Bill Hayton

China’s new map depicting its claims to the South China Sea has provoked some fierce reactions from its neighbours. The fact is that the “new” map is anything but.

ASEAN-China Relations China South China Sea

A series of activities to promote traditional Chinese culture were held at the Confucius Temple in Qufu during the World Internet Conference Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization.

4 Sep 2023

Reflections on China’s Latest Global Civilisation Agenda

Chang-Yau Hoon|Ying-kit Chan

China’s Global Civilisation Initiative claims to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. A litmus test of its credibility would be how China has and will deal with variations of cultures and identities that exist within and outside the country.

China China-Southeast Asia relations

30 Aug 2023

Elites vs Citizens: How Singapore and Indonesia are Divided on China

Melinda Martinus

Surveys show that the elite’s opinion toward China diverges with those of citizens in Singapore and Indonesia. Elites tend to weigh long-term geopolitical strategies and have more access to information, but increased citizen engagement will enhance foreign policy.

China China-Indonesia Relations China-Singapore Relations Singapore

It was announced in July that Qin Gang was removed as China's foreign minister and Wang Yi was re-appointed in his stead.

15 Aug 2023

Personnel Changes at China’s Foreign Ministry: Beijing Will Stay the Course on Southeast Asia

Lye Liang Fook

Recent top-level changes at China’s foreign ministry are unlikely to affect Beijing’s foreign policy orientation towards Southeast Asia. The region remains important in light of China’s difficult relationship with the United States and other key countries.

China Diplomacy Southeast Asia

11 Jul 2023

How the Nine-Dash Line Undermines China’s Economic Interests in Vietnam

Le Hong Hiep

China’s controversial nine-dash line claim to the South China Sea is creating problems for its businesses operating in Vietnam.

China South China Sea Vietnam

10 Jul 2023

Quad-lite Makes Right?

Hoang Thi Ha|William Choong

Analyses about the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) tend to focus on its four-way formal structures. An examination of the bilateral and plurilateral interactions between Quad members, as well as those between Quad members and other regional states, suggests that their coalition building is much more nimble and flexible.

China Indo-Pacific Quad