Archive
September 2020
In UN Speech, Duterte Stiffens Philippines’ Stance on the South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
After four years of flip-flopping, the Philippine President voiced strong support for a Hague ruling rejecting most of China’s claims to disputed waters.
Sino-Russian Economic Cooperation in Central Asia is Not What It Seems to Be
By Varshini Sridhar
China and Russia are partners in Central Asia, but their cooperative efforts are not as robust as they often claim.
At UN, Xi Outlines China’s Vision for the World
By Shannon Tiezzi
Xi's address followed (and implicitly responded to) a typical broadside from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Could Pakistan Move to Make Gilgit-Baltistan a New Province Soon?
By Abhijnan Rej
Islamabad’s decision will factor in several domestic and geopolitical considerations.
Critic of Chinese Leader Sentenced to 18 Years in Graft Case
By Associated Press
Real estate mogul Ren Zhiqiang had been outspoken on issues from censorship to COVID-19. Now he’s in prison on corruption charges.
Sebastian Strangio on Southeast Asia ‘in the Dragon’s Shadow’
By Shannon Tiezzi
A conversation on China's influence and image in the region.
Seeking a Viable Alternative to Indonesia’s Blasphemy Laws
By Desi Hanara
Instead of criminalizing blasphemy, Indonesia should focus on penalizing incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence.
New Zealand’s Defense Ministry Sizes Up the International Security Environment
By Nicholas Dynon
Its Statement of Intent 2020-2024 provides an assessment of the country’s security environment – with COVID-19 thrown in the mix.
China’s Stake in the Afghan Peace Process
By Sohrab Azad
Afghanistan is already of strategic importance to Beijing. As U.S. troops leave, China's influence will grow.
Witnesses: Afghan Government Airstrikes Kill 24 Civilians
By Associated Press
The Afghan Defense Ministry, however, said the airstrikes killed 30 Taliban fighters.
New York City Police Officer of Tibetan Origin Charged With Acting as ‘Illegal Agent’ of China
By Abhijnan Rej
The arrest of Baimadajie Angwang demonstrates the breadth of China’s United Front toolkit.
Voices From the Himalayas Amid Tensions Along the China-India Border
By Bhat Burhan
Beneath the geopolitical clash between India and China, the people of Ladakh live with the weight of an economic collapse and worries about war.
Needed: A New Global Trade System
By Amitai Etzioni
Disrupting the old one was the easy part.
The Riddle of COVID-19 and Democracy in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
How much should we read into the fact that the region’s most robust democracies have fared the worst from the coronavirus? Probably not a lot.
Was India’s Special Frontier Force Engaged in Bhutan’s Operation All Clear to Flush Out Militants?
By StoriesAsia
A 2019 court judgement against an Assamese militant note presents new evidence.
Will Trade Lead the Way in Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 Recovery?
By James Guild
Many Southeast Asian currencies have recently gained in value against the U.S. dollar, with complex implications for the region's exports.
After Abe, Opportunities Loom for Japan-Indonesia Relations
By Noto Suoneto, Birgitta Riani, and Noto Suoneto and Birgitta Riani
Prime Minister Suga has a golden opportunity to deepen relations with key Indo-Pacific partners, including Indonesia.
With New Arrest, Cambodia’s Permanent Crackdown Intensifies
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid the economic fallout from COVID-19, Hun Sen's government has succeeded in keeping a lid on rising public discontent—but for how much longer?
Lee Teng-hui’s Memorial Service Provides Catalyst for Diplomatic Outreach to Taiwan
By Shannon Tiezzi
In addition to a U.S. under secretary of state, a former Japanese prime minister was also in attendance.
Pakistan Opposition, Backed by Ex-Premier, to Protest Khan
By Associated Press
Nawaz Sharif has re-entered Pakistan’s political fray, calling for Khan’s ouster.
The Intra-Afghan Dialogue Is Good News for Pakistan-US Relations
By Syed Ali Zia Jaffery
Successful conclusion of the talks will allow both countries to explore other areas of cooperation and rebuild ties firmly.
Beyond the Intra-Afghan Talks, Uzbekistan Sees a Bright Future
By Umida Hashimova
The promise of peace in Afghanistan opens doors for Uzbekistan.
Taiwan’s KMT Skips Key Cross-Strait Forum Over Comment by Chinese Talk Show Host
By Nick Aspinwall
The Beijing-friendly opposition party said it would sit out the forum, overshadowing the annual event.
Beyond Data Privacy: Trump’s Proposed Ban of WeChat
By Layne Vandenberg
The broader success factors behind Tencent and WeChat indicate alternative motivations for Trump’s proposed ban.