Region
Southeast Asia
Philippines’ Duterte to Skip Upcoming US-ASEAN Summit
By Sebastian Strangio
The May 12-13 summit will take place just days after millions of Filipinos go to the polls to elect Duterte's successor.
How the Russia-Ukraine War Is Impacting Vietnam’s Economy
By Thoi Nguyen
Vietnamese businesses are already seeing the fallout from the conflict in Eastern Europe, and the impacts are only set to increase.
Thai Foreign Ministry Appoints Special Envoy for Myanmar Issues
By Sebastian Strangio
The appointment of Pornpimol Kanchanalak will relieve pressure on the Foreign Ministry, but there is no indication it marks a shift in the country's approach to the Myanmar crisis.
Myanmar Court Sentences Suu Kyi to 5 Years for Corruption
By Grant Peck
The sentence is designed to legitimize the military's seizure of power while keeping the 76-year-old elected leader from returning to an active role in politics.
Singapore Executes Malaysian Man in High-Profile Death Row Case
By Sebastian Strangio
A Singaporean court rejected a raft of appeals claiming that Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam had an intellectual disability and was coerced into carrying drugs.
Under Kishida, Tokyo Sharpens Its Focus on Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
Prime Minister Hun Sen has requested a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Japan.
Malaysian FM Admits Contacts With Myanmar Opposition Shadow Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Saifuddin Abdullah's announcement marked the first time that an ASEAN government has admitted to contacts with the opposition National Unity Government.
Indonesia’s Mosque Loudspeakers Continue to Spark Controversy
By A’an Suryana
Indonesian government attempts to regulate the azan, or Islamic call to prayer, continue to inflame religious sentiments.
Is the Ukraine War Boosting China’s Influence in Myanmar?
By Patrick Dupont
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has distracted it from a burgeoning partnership – including arms sales – with Myanmar’s junta. Will Beijing fill the gap?
Is Vietnam Going to Hold a Military Exercise With Russia?
By Carl Thayer
Russian media say that Russian and Vietnamese officers held a meeting to discuss military drills – which would be a controversial move amid Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Indonesia Bans Exports of Palm Oil Amid Domestic Price Rises
By Sebastian Strangio
The ban, which comes into effect on Wednesday, will add further upward pressure to the global price of cooking oil.
Ethnic Armed Organizations Reject Myanmar Junta Peace Talk Bid
By Sebastian Strangio
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's promise of fresh negotiations is a transparent attempt to split the anti-coup resistance.