Region
Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, VP Kamala Harris Is at the Center of US Efforts to Counter China
By Chris Megerian
While analysts bemoaned President Biden’s absence from the ASEAN summit, Harris has visited more countries in Southeast Asia than in any other region.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Could Make or Break the Bloc
By Virdika Rizky Utama
During its year at the helm, Jakarta has an opportunity to reset the trajectory for itself and the entire ASEAN bloc.
Can Indonesia Afford Its Big Military Modernization Plans?
By James Guild
Despite a rash of major defense acquisitions, the country still spends a relatively low percentage of its GDP on defense.
New Thai Government Readies Populist Economic Measures
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to announce a range of inducements, including debt moratoriums and energy subsidies.
Chinese Premier Seeks to Calm South China Sea Concerns
By Sebastian Strangio
During a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, Li Qiang implied that China and rival claimants could address outstanding disputes without the involvement of outside powers.
ASEAN Tweaks Its Approach Toward Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc has taken a number of small but important steps forward in its handling of the country's crisis.
The Philippines’ Latest National Security Policy: Cautious Yet Clear-Cut
By Joshua Bernard Espeña
Despite favorable comparisons to its predecessor, the Marcos administration's security policy can only be measured against its own benchmark going forward.
Thailand’s New Government Takes Office After Being Sworn-in
By Sebastian Strangio
As a product of political compromise, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet contains a number of familiar faces.
Why Biden’s Visit to Vietnam Is a Triumph for the US
By Hai Hong Nguyen
Like his Democratic predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Biden will preside over a significant upgrade in relations with Vietnam.
Singapore’s New President Does Not Imply a Mandate for the PAP
By Kazimier Lim
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's landslide victory may seem like an endorsement of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), but is better seen as a reflection of his personal popularity.
Military-Ruled Myanmar Won’t Be Allowed to Lead ASEAN in 2026
By Niniek Karmini and Jim Gomez
Myanmar's top generals were again barred from attending this year's summit, and now the decision has been made to retract their hosting privileges for 2026.
Towards a Robust Philippines-India Maritime Security Partnership
By Don McLain Gill
Since both countries have experienced the impacts of China’s gray zone activities, the sharing of intelligence, information, and best practices will be vital.