Region
Southeast Asia
Myanmar Junta Releases High-Profile Foreign Prisoners in Mass Amnesty
By Sebastian Strangio
The release of Australian economist Sean Turnell and three other foreigners is a likely attempt to preempt ASEAN's growing frustration with the coup government.
Jokowi Says Indonesia Will Bid to Host 2036 Olympics in New Capital
By Sebastian Strangio
Like the new capital project, the bid reflects the Indonesian leader's ambition to leave a lasting impression on his country.
Why the Current Stall in US-Vietnam Relations is Necessary for Vietnam’s Security
By Khang Vu
As has been the case for much of history, stable, manageable relations with China form the foundation of the country's foreign policy.
Philippines Registers ‘Sharpest Ever’ Decline in Birthrate
By Sebastian Strangio
The Catholic-majority country now has a birthrate of just 1.9 children per adult woman, the third-lowest in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia Signs Deals to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition
By Niniek Karmini and Sibi Arasu
The agreements were an important step for the country, a major exporter of coal that has abundant green energy potential.
China’s Expanding Health Diplomacy in Indonesia
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
After economics and trade, the health sector has become a priority focus of Beijing's engagement with Southeast Asia's most populous nation.
US to Spend $66 Million to Upgrade Philippine Security Facilities
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement comes ahead of a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to the island of Palawan, adjacent to the disputed Spratly Islands.
Media Watchdog Nominates Southeast Asian Journalists for Annual Prize
By Sebastian Strangio
Han Thar Nyein of Myanmar and Lady Ann Salem of the Philippines have been shortlisted for their efforts to hold corrupt and repressive governments to account.
What is Slowing Down Vietnam’s Transport Infrastructure Projects?
By James Guild
Among other things, the country's land acquisition procedures are creaky, opaque, and difficult to appeal.
Commemorative ASEAN Summit Watches Cost $500,000, Cambodian PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Hun Sen commissioned the 25 luxury tourbillon watches in order to showcase his country's “scientific and technical progress.”
Over-Indebtedness and Healthcare Financing in Cambodia
By Vouchnea Tang
Despite the country's social healthcare provisions, medical debts remain a leading cause of destitution.
Targeted Killings Spread Terror in Rohingya Refugee Camps
By Tanbirul Miraj Ripon
Both Bangladesh police and Rohingya accuse the militant group ARSA of conducting a campaign of terror and crime in the refugee camps.