Region
Southeast Asia
US Won’t Penalize Vietnam, Despite ‘Unreasonable’ Currency Practices
By Sebastian Strangio
In a short statement, the U.S. Trade Representative bats the trade dispute into the Biden administration’s court.
Is a China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Likely in 2021?
By Huynh Tam Sang
Things look promising for an expansion of ASEAN-China ties – but some formidable hurdles remain.
Cambodian Exile Return Bid Crashes Into Visa Hurdle
By Sebastian Strangio
The attempt nonetheless succeeded in drawing international attention to the repression inside the country.
Chinese-Funded Railway to Link Former US Bases in the Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
But we should treat the announcement with caution, given that few promised Chinese infrastructure projects have yet eventuated.
In Laos, Reform Hopes Peter Out Into Business as Usual
By David Hutt
The Lao communist party's newly selected General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith once promised change. Now he sits atop a closed and sclerotic system.
Earthquake Sets off Landslides, Flattens Homes in Indonesia
By Associated Press
At least 10 people have so far been confirmed dead and more than 200 injured.
Despite COVID-19 Crunch, China-Mekong Integration Continues
By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing continues to focus on deepening its physical integration with the Southeast Asian nations to its south.
Why Indonesia Won’t Recognize Israel — At Least For Now
By Sebastian Strangio
Domestic political factors make it much harder for Indonesia to follow in the footsteps of Arab states like Morocco and Sudan.
Indonesia’s Ties With Bahrain Slowly Gather Steam
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Fuad Tingai
Ties remain modest, but both nations have a strong incentive to advance the bilateral relationship.
Indonesia Beefs Up Its Natuna Island Patrols: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The move seeks to deter Chinese incursions, while preserving important areas of cooperation between Jakarta and Beijing.
In the Face of Criticism, Laos Pushes Ahead With Four Mekong Dams
By Luke Hunt
But costs and competition could leave the putative "battery of Southeast Asia" running on empty.
Indonesia Starts Mass COVID Vaccinations Over Vast Territory
By Associated Press
Indonesia's vaccination program is the first large-scale use outside of China of the Sinovac Biotech Ltd. vaccine.