Region
Southeast Asia
Indonesia Delays Launch of China-backed High-Speed Railway
By Sebastian Strangio
The soft launch of the railway, Southeast Asia's first high-speed line, has been pushed back from August 18 until early September.
A New Filipino Leader for Southeast Asia’s Islamic State
By Zam Yusa
It’s not clear if Abu Turaife can garner support from IS adherents in the region and galvanize local militants or whether pro-IS groups in the Philippines are on the decline.
What India’s Rice Export Ban Means for Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The impacts are likely to reflect the differing role that rice plays in each country's political economy.
Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Water Cannon Incident
By Sebastian Strangio
This is the second time this year that Huang has been summoned following stand-offs in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal.
Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai Agree to Form Thailand’s Next Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact between the two parties, which came in second and third in May's general election, could spell an end to Thailand's protracted post-election deadlock.
Why Southeast Asian Nations Must Do More to Protect Their Critical Maritime Infrastructure
By Christian Bueger
The region's maritime, cyber, and energy security policies have not yet fully taken maritime infrastructure into account.
Inside the Resistance Camps in Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
What is life like inside the camps of various armed groups fighting the military regime? The Diplomat provides you with an inside look.
Cambodia’s King Officially Appoints Hun Manet Prime Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The 45-year-old son of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen will take office on August 22, pending a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Manila Bay Reclamation Under Review Over Environmental and China Concerns
By Mong Palatino
The U.S. embassy in Manila has raised concerns about the involvement of a blacklisted Chinese firm in the ongoing projects.
Philippines Blasts China For ‘Dangerous Maneuvers’ Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that a Chinese vessel used a high-powered water cannon in order to prevent the resupply of the Philippine forces stationed on Second Thomas Shoal.
Even a Neutral Indonesia Could Get Dragged Into a China-US War
By Abdul Rahman Yaacob
Indonesia could unwittingly be drawn into great-power military conflict due to its strategic location, especially if a China-U.S. clash happens in Indonesian waters.
Chinese Workers in Indonesia Need Protection, Too
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
Much public attention has focused on the plight of Indonesian workers employed in Chinese-owned enterprises. But a new report shows that Chinese nationals face many of the same challenges.