Region
Southeast Asia
Despite Opposition, Philippines Ratifies RCEP Trade Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The massive free trade pact has faced opposition from agricultural groups, who fear it could open the country to a wave of imported produce.
Philippines Eyes South China Sea Patrols With US, Australia
By Jim Gomez and Edna Tarigan
Manila is seeking to shore up defense capabilities in the disputed South China Sea, even as China continues to stress negotiations on a Code of Conduct.
EU Imposes Sixth Round of Sanctions Against Military-Ruled Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Among those listed are the junta's energy minister, and a number of private companies believed to be funneling arms, funds, and fuel to the military.
Thailand’s Prayut Says Parliament Will Be Dissolved in Early March
By Sebastian Strangio
The upcoming election, due to fall in early May, will see the Thai leader stand for election for the first time.
Land Before Water: Why Vietnam’s Grand Strategy is Fundamentally Continental
By Khang Vu
Despite limited past operations in littoral waters, the country's strategic attention has been overwhelmingly directed at land-based threats.
The Philippines’ Basic Education Crisis
By Mong Palatino
Out of the country's 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.
Philippines, US in Talks for Joint Patrols in South China Sea: Official
By Sebastian Strangio
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard said it was a "certainty” that joint patrols would resume in the near future.
Are Foreign Investors Returning to Southeast Asia in 2023?
By James Guild
With regional financial markets less dependent than ever on foreign capital, a lot less is hanging on the question than in years past.
Prayut Closes the Gap in Preferred Choice for Thailand’s Next PM
By Sebastian Strangio
A new poll shows the Thai leader as the preferred candidate among respondents in the capital Bangkok.
Why is Myanmar’s Air Force Bombing Civilian Targets?
By Sribala Subramanian
The attacks are “terrifying” residents of border areas and neighboring countries.
The Cambodian Government’s ‘Recommendations’ For Journalists
By Luke Hunt
This month's closure of the independent news outlet Voice of Democracy serves as a warning for those who fail to toe the government line.
Balancing ASEAN’s Internal and External Economic Integration
By Fajar Hidayat
While political crises dominate the bloc's attention, Indonesia can use its chairmanship to advance and recalibrate ASEAN's economic integration agenda.