Region
Southeast Asia
Pope Francis Must Talk About Sexual Abuse Allegations in Timor-Leste
By David Hutt
The deeply Catholic country is struggling to come to terms with historic cases of child rape by Catholic clergy.
Thai PM Confirms ‘Digital Wallet’ Will Go Ahead, Flags Cash Payments
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party's controversial 450 billion baht stimulus program has been criticized as wasteful and fiscally irresponsible.
Myanmar’s Border Trade With China and Thailand Has Collapsed
By Sebastian Strangio
Ethnic armed groups opposed to the military now control trade routes accounting for 91 percent of the country's overland trade with China.
Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Due to the security situation, a comprehensive census, let alone a multiparty election, will remain a remote prospect for the foreseeable future.
Philippine Legislators Defer Approval of Vice President’s Budget
By Mong Palatino
After clashing with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte is being subject to fresh scrutiny in the House of Representatives.
Thailand’s Foreign Policy Is Inherently Undervalued
By Tita Sanglee
In the discussions over Thailand's new cabinet, there has been a curious silence about foreign policy.
New Cabinet Finalized and Awaits King’s Approval, Thai PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The new cabinet line-up has not been officially announced, but is likely to feature a mix of continuity and change.
Philippine Officials Rescue 162 in Raid on Suspected Cyberscam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
Several Southeast Asian governments have launched crackdowns on online fraud operations. Is an end to the region’s cyber-scam epidemic in sight?
Vietnam, Philippines Agree to Bolster Maritime Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations' defense ministers have pledged to sign an MoU on defense cooperation by the end of the year.
Cambodia’s CLV-DTA Crackdown Shows Vietnam Is Still the Elephant in the Room
By David Whitehouse
Phnom Penh is acutely sensitive to any suggestion that the country is ceding land and sovereignty to its eastern neighbor.
Timor-Leste Celebrates 25th Anniversary of UN-backed Vote for Independence
By Gantry Meilana
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres – who, while prime minster of Portugal, was heavily involved in the international effort to resolve the crisis in Timor-Leste – attended the celebrations.
Indonesia’s Africa Outreach: Principle or Pragmatism?
By Allan Dharma Saputra
The upcoming Indonesia-Africa Forum will serve as a litmus test for the viability of Indonesia’s Africa strategy.