Region
Southeast Asia
US Warns China Against ‘Harassment’ of Philippine Vessels
By Sebastian Strangio
The statement from Washington followed another near-collision between Philippine and Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
An Australian Who Worked to Restore Cambodian Culture Dies at 76
By Luke Hunt
The passing of Darryl Collins is seen as "a great loss” for Cambodia.
Australia and New Zealand in the West Papua Conflict
By Xiang Gao and Guy C. Charlton
A New Zealand pilot’s abduction focuses attention on Wellington and Canberra’s hands-off approach to the long-running conflict in Indonesia.
US Lifts Ban on Imports From Major Malaysian Glove Manufacturer
By Sebastian Strangio
In late 2021, U.S. authorities barred goods manufactured by the company Smart Glove from entering the country due to its alleged use of forced labor.
What Vietnam Needs from America: Lessons from a Past Alliance
By Khang Vu
What Hanoi needs from its relationship with Washington depends overwhelmingly on the state of China-Vietnam relations.
Myanmar’s Military Junta and the Neo-Authoritarian Bloc
By Gerard McDermott
The National Unity Government is bereft of any meaningful external support while the junta has been well assisted by its fellow authoritarians since the 2021 coup.
Thailand’s Democrat Party Pledges to Legalize Sex Toys
By Sebastian Strangio
The conservative party is making a desperate play to reverse its sliding electoral fortunes at next month's election.
Laos Is Not in a Chinese ‘Debt Trap’ – But It Is in Trouble
By Anjali Bhatt
Laos is disturbingly reliant on investment from China – and no one knows how much, and under what terms.
US, Filipino Forces Show Firepower at Sea Amid China Tension
By Jim Gomez and Aaron Favila
With the growing Chinese threat in mind, President Marcos has ordered his military to shift its focus to external defense from decades-long domestic anti-insurgency.
How the Arakan Army Has Capitalized on Myanmar’s Coup
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
Over the past two years, the insurgent group has steadily extended and deepened its control over Rakhine State.
Thailand Signals Potential Compromise on Chinese Sub Deal
By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok has signaled that it is willing to accept Beijing's offer of a Chinese-made propulsion system, with some caveats.
Singapore, China to Kick Off Joint Military Exercises
By Sebastian Strangio
The drills are a good example of the city-state's attempt to maintain a delicate position of balance between Beijing and Washington.