Region
Southeast Asia

EU, Philippines to Establish Dialogue on Defense and Security Issues
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement is an apparent response to the geopolitical turbulence that is roiling both regions.

Cambodia Says It Will Take Thai Border Dispute to International Court
By Sebastian Strangio
Late last month, a 48-year-old Cambodian soldier was killed during a military clash in a disputed area of the border.

Thai and Cambodian Troops on Alert Amid Saber-rattling in the ‘Emerald Triangle’
By Luke Hunt
Comparisons between the current confrontation and the 2008-2011 Preah Vihear dispute are questionable.

Myanmar Military Extends Earthquake Ceasefire Following ASEAN Request
By Sebastian Strangio
The Southeast Asian bloc has been harshly criticized for praising ceasefires that have done little to end the junta's attacks on civilians.

US Defense Secretary to Visit China-Linked Cambodian Naval Base
By Sebastian Strangio
American officials have long been concerned that Ream Naval Base could become a de facto Chinese military outpost.

Why Is Vietnam Blocking Access to Telegram?
By Vu Lam
Hanoi claims that the encrypted messaging app is enabling criminal activity, but there may be deeper considerations at play.

US ASEAN Policy Must Be Rooted in Economics, Not Just Defense
By Abhinav Seetharaman
Southeast Asian countries heavily prioritize economics and trade, yet U.S. government policies toward ASEAN have often targeted countering China first.

Ex-Goldman Sachs Banker Sentenced to 2 Years Prison Over 1MDB Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
The former "star dealmaker” told a Brooklyn court that billions in stolen funds "could have profoundly benefited" Malaysia and its people.

Golden Triangle Methamphetamine Trafficking Continues to Surge, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Asian governments seized a record 236 tons of the drug in 2024, the vast majority of it in mainland Southeast Asia.

Prabowo Says Indonesia Ready to Establish Diplomatic Ties With Israel — On One Condition
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite recent reports of a softening of Indonesian policy, establishing ties with Tel Aviv would come with high domestic political risks.

Cambodian Soldier Killed in Clash With Thai Army Along Disputed Border
By David Hutt
Recent months have seen an awakening of long-dormant maritime and territorial disputes between the two nations.

France, Indonesia Sign Agreement That Could Lead to Further Defense Purchases
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid deepening defense ties, Jakarta seems set to consolidate its status as the top customer of French arms in Southeast Asia.