Region
Southeast Asia
Ethnic Resistance Group Claims Capture of Hundreds of Soldiers in Western Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Arakan Army claims that it has overrun the 15th Military Operations Command headquarters in northern Rakhine State.
US and Philippine Forces Stage Combat Drills Near Strategic Bashi Channel off Southern Taiwan
By Jim Gomez and Aaron Favila
This year’s Balikatan exercises focus on territorial defense in two of the most sensitive fault lines in the China-U.S. rivalry: the disputed South China Sea and the Bashi Channel.
Anwar Ibrahim Has a China Problem at Luconia Shoals
By Ganesh Sahathevan
The repeated Chinese incursions in the country’s exclusive economic zone are a problem for Malaysia – and for the region as a whole.
Press Watchdog Paints Grim Picture of Southeast Asian Media Freedoms
By Sebastian Strangio
Of the region's 11 nations, just two ranked in the top half of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index.
Vietnam Arrests Another Senior Figure in Anti-Corruption Drive
By Sebastian Strangio
The anti-graft campaign continues to intensify as the Communist Party begins preparations for its next Congress in early 2026.
For First Time, China Publicizes Alleged 2016 South China Sea Agreement With Philippines
By Christopher Bodeen
A statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila described a “temporary special arrangement” supposedly agreed to during a visit to Beijing by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Battle to Restore Public Trust in Malaysia’s Media
By Benjamin YH Loh
A revised code of ethics overseen by the government rightly raises concerns about press freedom in Malaysia. There is an alternative solution.
Vietnam’s Parliament Accepts Chair’s Resignation, Announces Interim Replacement
By Sebastian Strangio
Recent resignations have left two of Vietnam's top leadership positions, and five of the 18 seats on the Communist Party's Politburo, vacant.
Myanmar Junta Bans Men From Overseas Work in Bid to Stymie Draft Dodgers
By Sebastian Strangio
The enforcement of the People’s Military Service Law has prompted thousands of young people to flee the country.
The Marcos-Duterte Rift Widens in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
For the first time, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has spoken out about the growing tensions between the two political clans.
World in Crisis: A Conversation with Andy Pendleton
By Luke Hunt
With the world's relief efforts focusing on Gaza and Ukraine, Africa is missing out.
Why China Is Wary of US ‘Ironclad’ Alliance With the Philippines
By Bree Megivern
Even though Balikatan is almost a 40-year tradition, this year’s exercises are larger and more pronounced than past iterations. And China is watching.