Region
Southeast Asia
Rights Groups Call on Laos to Release Dissident Chinese Lawyer
By Sebastian Strangio
Lu Siwei was arrested on July 28, as he tried to board a train from Vientiane to Bangkok, and is expected to face deportation soon.
Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency for Fourth Time
By Sebastian Strangio
The extension is an admission that the military has failed to quell the broad-based armed resistance to its rule.
EU Leader Cites Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine to Warn Against China’s Aggression in Asia
By Jim Gomez
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint news conference with the Philippine president that “the illegal use of force cannot be tolerated, not in Ukraine, not in the Indo-Pacific.”
Has Vietnam Changed Its Tune on a Diplomatic Upgrade With the US?
By Sebastian Strangio
Comments by U.S. President Joe Biden last week seem to suggest so, but there is reason to remain skeptical pending further confirmations.
Vietnam Imprisons 54 Officials Over COVID-19 Flights Graft Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Among the most prominent officials were high-ranking members of the ministries of foreign affairs, public health, and public security.
Myanmar Junta Transfers Aung San Suu Kyi Out of Solitary Confinement
By Sebastian Strangio
The 78-year-old leader is now reportedly being detained at a government building in Naypyidaw.
Why Australia and the Philippines Are Natural Partners on Renewable Energy
By Nicholas Basan
Blessed with complementary capacities, the two nations stand to benefit from closer green collaboration.
After Years of Promises, Will Thaksin Finally Return to Thailand?
By Sebastian Strangio
There are several reasons to think that the fugitive former PM might actually be becoming home.
Why VinFast is Struggling In the US Electric Vehicle Market
By James Guild
The Vietnamese automotive firm's planned conquest of the American EV market has hit a number of hurdles.
Vietnam’s Crackdown on Dissent
By Elaine Pearson
In their quest for closer ties with Vietnam, Western governments should not ignore the country's political prisoners.
How Will Cambodia’s Incoming Leader Affect the Country’s Foreign Relations?
By Sebastian Strangio
China will be the main benefactor of the Hun Manet administration, while relations with the Western democracies will remain fraught.
Cambodian Naval Base to Test Hun Manet’s Relations With Washington
By Luke Hunt
Satellite images confirm China-backed Ream upgrade is almost complete.