ARTICLES

13 Sep 2021

Ideology Versus Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Statecraft towards China and America

Huynh Tam Sang|Pham Do An

China is seeking to drive a wedge between Hanoi and Washington, even as Vietnam-US relations continue to flourish. Hence, Vietnam’s striking a balance between its ideological cohesiveness with China and pragmatic ties with the US is being put to the test.

China's President Xi Jinping (L), Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin

10 Sep 2021

The Russia-China Strategic Partnership and Southeast Asia: Alignments and Divergences

Ian Storey

The Sino-Russian nexus has been strengthening against the backdrop of heightening US-Russia and US-China strategic rivalry. This has some implications for Southeast Asia as Russia and China continue to oppose US hegemony and work to undermine America’s alliances and partnerships.

China Defence Russia South China Sea Southeast Asia

3 Sep 2021

In Vietnam, the Afghanistan Spectre Fails to Haunt a Pro-America Audience Online

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Many observers have drawn parallels between the U.S.’ chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and memories of the “Fall of Saigon”. But Vietnamese reactions to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent visit there shows continued favourable sentiments towards the U.S.

China Social Media U.S. Foreign Policy U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

11 Aug 2021

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Southeast Asia Tour: Assurances and Dividends

William Choong|Hoang Thi Ha|Le Hong Hiep|Ian Storey

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to three Southeast Asian countries in July 2021 was aimed at reaffirming America’s commitment to regional alliances and partnerships amid concerns of US neglect of the region in the first six months of the Biden administration.

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

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.

Asean Trade ASEAN-China Relations China

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.K. U.S.

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