ARTICLES

9 Oct 2026

The Strategic Implications of the New China-Laos Military Facility

Ian Storey

A new China-Laos military facility constitutes a significant gain for Beijing. But it will trigger concern among regional countries, in particular Vietnam.

22 Jun 2026

Russia’s Place at ASEAN’s Table: Between Principle and Pragmatism

Joanne Lin

The ASEAN-Russia summit does not mean that Southeast Asia is drifting into Russia’s camp. Its significance lies in the grouping’s desire to preserve room for manoeuvre.

ASEAN Russia Trade

25 Mar 2026

Southeast Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Edging Closer in an Era of Geopolitical Churn

Ian Storey

Over the past three decades, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has significantly expanded its geographical footprint, membership and functional cooperative activities. This Long Read provides a detailed examination of Southeast Asia’s engagement with the organisation.

ASEAN China Russia Southeast Asia

27 Feb 2026

Russia’s Critical Military Role in Myanmar’s Civil War

Ian Storey

While China wields much influence over Myanmar, Russia plays an outsized role in equipping the country’s military.

Defence Myanmar Russia

4 Feb 2026

Can Moscow and Seoul Help Vietnam Achieve its Nuclear Energy Ambitions?

Ian Storey

Vietnam has grand plans to build a series of nuclear power plants. But it faces several challenges.

Nuclear Power Russia South Korea Vietnam

26 Sep 2025

Malaysia’s Royal Rendezvous in Russia: Reasons and Rationale

Francis E. Hutchinson|Isabelle Chua

The Malaysian King’s visit to Russia makes sense through the lenses of military procurement, foreign policy, and domestic sentiments.

Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Russia

15 Jul 2025

A ‘Reverse Nixon’ Attempt by Trump? A Chinese View

Qian Yuming

In 1972, US President Nixon forged ties with China to counter the Soviet Union; will – or can – President Trump do the reverse today by aligning with Russia against China?

China Russia U.S. Foreign Policy US

22 May 2025

Prime Minister Anwar’s Visit to Russia: Long on Pomp, Short on Outcomes

Ian Storey

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Russia was high on symbolism but low on substance.

Foreign Policy Malaysia MH17 Plane Crash Political Islam Russia Trade

17 Apr 2025

Are the Russians Coming to Indonesia?

Ian Storey

Indonesia has put paid to rumours that Russia is seeking an air base in Papua. Still, Papua’s proximity to the US force presence in Guam and Australia gives Moscow a clear strategic interest in pursuing the idea.

Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Indonesia-Russia Relations Russia

14 Mar 2025

Southeast Asia Countries Won’t Let War in Ukraine Affect Ties with Russia

Ian Storey

President Donald Trump wants to force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and improve relations with Russia. Many Southeast Asian countries will welcome an end to hostilities, an easing of US-Russia tensions and stronger relations with Moscow.

ASEAN-Russia Relations Indonesia-Russia Relations Russia