Region
Southeast Asia
Tin Oo, Former General and Founder of Myanmar’s NLD, Dies at 97
By Sebastian Strangio
During his long career, Tin Oo played important roles on both sides of the struggle between the military and the pro-democracy movement.
Why the EU’s Deforestation-Free Regulation Is Not Working in Southeast Asia
By Lauren Mai
Indonesia and Malaysia, which account for 85 percent of global palm oil production, have reacted with hostility to the EU's new regulation.
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Thailand’s Bid to Join BRICS
By Olivia Tan
Bangkok is hedging its bets, and fully seizing all the opportunities that multilateralism presents.
Top US and Chinese Defense Officials Seek to Restore Communications as Tensions Rise in Indo-Pacific
By David Rising
A closed-door meeting Friday was the first in person contact between the top Chinese and U.S. defense officials since 2022.
An End to Myanmar’s Civil War? A Conversation With Paul Greening
By Luke Hunt
Greening says anti-regime forces could capture the Irrawaddy Basin and eventually declare victory over the junta.
In Timor-Leste, Activists Voice ‘Solidarity’ for Myanmar as Conflict Worsens
By Fritzie Rodriguez
At a public hearing hosted by the country's national human rights institution this week, local and regional activists called for greater action to address the intensifying crisis.
Cambodia to Break Ground on Contentious Canal Project in August
By Sebastian Strangio
In a speech yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Manet said that his government would not afford to "wait for anybody," and would fund the $1.7 billion project itself.
Indonesian Court Again Makes Controversial Tweak to Election Rules
By Sebastian Strangio
The Supreme Court ruling will pave the way for President Joko Widodo's youngest son to run in the Jakarta gubernatorial election on November 27.
Lessons From Lithuania: How ASEAN Can Manage Economic Risks With China
By Shay Wester
Lithuania’s experience provides a wake-up call for Southeast Asia about the risks of economic coercion.
Thai Cabinet Formally Approves Bid For BRICS Membership
By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok says that membership would help boost the country's global economic and political profile.
Philippines Vows to Protect Filipino Fishermen Amid Chinese Fishing Ban
By Sebastian Strangio
The annual ban comes at a time of growing tension between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea.
Malaysia Unveils Plans to Become Next Global Chip Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has pitched Malaysia to foreign chipmakers as "the most neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production."