Region
Southeast Asia
Malaysia, Indonesia to Dispatch Envoys to EU Over Palm Oil Dispute
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations hope to convince European regulators that their local certification efforts conform to the EU's rigorous new regulation on deforestation.
New EU Regulation Could Hurt Small Palm Oil Producers: Watchdog
By Sebastian Strangio
Joseph D'Cruz, the head of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), believes that Brussels' new rules could have a "human, social and developmental cost."
Indonesia’s Drowning Land
By Garry Lotulung
Sea level rises are often spoken about as a potential future impact of climate change. But on the Indonesian island of Java, they are already threatening millions.
Vietnam’s Anti-Corruption Drive Can Never Go Far Enough
By David Hutt
In centralizing power to fight graft, Nguyen Phu Trong has created a system in which corruption has an even greater chance of flourishing once he’s gone.
Philippine President Marcos Embarks on 4-Day Visit to Japan
By Sebastian Strangio
The trip will focus on strengthening longstanding economic relations and expanding the two nations' more recent cooperation on defense and security matters.
Thailand’s Military Modernization Again in the Spotlight Following Trade Deficit Report
By Tita Sanglee
Recent procurements have revived long-standing questions about poor communication and wasteful spending.
It’s Time to Re-evaluate the Myanmar Military’s Intelligence Capabilities
By Amara Thiha
Recently leaked documents suggest that intelligence operatives have successfully managed to infiltrate the anti-junta resistance.
Inflation in Laos Continues to Rise, Reaches 23-Year High
By Sebastian Strangio
While inflation is projected to fall in 2023, there is no quick fix to the country's economic troubles.
Where Are Southeast Asia’s Tech Companies Headed?
By James Guild
There is a wide gap between the performance of leading tech firms and the wider economies of the region.
Papuan Rebels Take New Zealand Pilot Hostage in Remote Area
By Sebastian Strangio
The West Papua National Liberation Army says it holds Western countries, including New Zealand, responsible for supporting the Indonesian military.
Court Says South Korea Responsible for Vietnam War Massacre
By Kim Tong-hyung
The ruling marks the first time a South Korean court has found the government responsible for mass killings of Vietnamese civilians during the war.
Indonesia Confronts the Past, While Sidestepping the Present
By Rory James
What motivated President Joko Widodo's recent acknowledgement of gross past human rights abuses?