Region
Southeast Asia
China Just Botched a Monumental Opportunity With the Philippines
By Derek Grossman
Did China miss its shot at the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement?
Indonesia’s Parliament Mulls Controversial Electoral Reforms
By Marcus Tantau
Amid Indonesia’s struggle against COVID-19, a number of political parties are attempting to reform the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.
Indonesia Jails 7 Papua Anti-Racism Activists for Treason
By Associated Press
The seven had participated in protests last year, during which they called for a referendum on Papuan independence.
Saving Indochina’s Wilderness
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with environmentalist Marcus Hardtke.
The Pandemic’s Hidden Casualty: Human Rights
By Carmina Flores-Obanil
For many of Asia’s indigenous peoples, COVID-19 is exacerbating long-standing policies of marginalization.
Rappler Journalists Convicted of Libel in Chilling Verdict for Philippine Press Freedom
By Nick Aspinwall
Domestic and international watchdogs condemned the verdict, which may put countless local journalists and internet users at risk of charges they cannot fight.
Plight of Rohingyas Under COVID-19 Spotlights ASEAN’s Failure
By Nor Arlene Tan
Amid the pandemic and global economic chaos, the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis in Southeast Asia has quietly been swept under a rug.
As US-China Competition Grows, Will Covert Regime Change Make a Return?
By Michael Poznansky and Mindy Haas
Many of the same incentives that pushed leaders into the covert sphere during the Cold War are present in the U.S.-China context.
Survey: China Gaining Influence Over US in Southeast Asia, With Likely Long-term Consequences
By Ankit Panda
A new survey of strategic elites in Southeast Asia finds perceptions of growing Chinese might surging—with no strong consensus on whether Beijing is a benign or malignant force for the region.
Blunting China’s South China Sea ‘New Normal’ Quest Starts With the Southeast Asian Claimants
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing’s continued inroads are unlikely to be reversed unless the most interested parties in the South China Sea work to get past familiar obstacles.
Philippine Journalist Maria Ressa Convicted of Libel, Given 6-Year Term
By Associated Press
Ressa will appeal the decision, seen by many as a major blow to press freedom in the Philippines.
Thailand Eases More Coronavirus Restrictions, Ends Curfew
By Associated Press
Social distancing rules will remain in effect, but businesses will be able to reopen starting Monday.