Region
Southeast Asia

Philippine Commander Denies ‘Deal’ Over South China Sea Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
A Senate Committee is investigating the Chinese Embassy’s alleged recording of a phone call between Carlos and a Chinese military attaché in January.

Vietnam’s Top Security Official To Lam Confirmed as President
By David Rising
Lam was confirmed by Vietnam’s National Assembly after his predecessor resigned amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has shaken the political establishment.

Vietnam Arrests Second Labor Activist In a Month, Rights Group Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
Vu Minh Tien, a prominent member of the state-controlled confederation of trade unions, was working to bring Vietnamese labor law into line with international standards.

Indonesia’s Horror Scene Is Booming. Can It Conquer The International Market?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Local horror films have topped the domestic box office, but translating that appeal to international markets is not straightforward.

The Last Glaciers of Indonesia
By Sribala Subramanian
Tropical ice sheets are "canaries in the coal mine" when it comes to climate change.

Thailand’s Showdown Over Interest Rates, Explained
By James Guild
The economic rationale of the Bank of Thailand, and the political incentives of the current government, have been at odds since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Musk to ‘Consider’ Opening Battery Plant in Indonesia, Senior Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
A Tesla investment would be a significant vote of confidence in Jakarta's ambition of becoming an EV production powerhouse.

Philippines Calls for International Probe Into Environmental Damage at Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that Chinese fishermen hunting giant clams have caused significant damage to the reefs at Scarborough Shoal.

Myanmar Military Could Be Tried For Crimes in New Zealand, NUG Says
By Luke Hunt
Anti-regime forces expected to focus on Yangon during the upcoming rainy season.

Vietnam’s National Assembly Approves New Chair, President Expected Soon
By Sebastian Strangio
The Vietnamese legislature is also expected to approve the elevation of To Lam, the powerful public security minister, to the presidency.

Arakan Army Takes Key Town in Western Myanmar, While Denying Rohingya Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
Rights groups have accused the Arakan Army of displacing tens of thousands of Rohingya civilians during its seizure of the town of Buthidaung.

Russian Fighter Deal Reflects Indonesia’s Goal of a ‘Sanctions-Proof’ Economy
By A. B. Abrams
As geopolitical tensions grow, Jakarta is seeking to insulate its military, and its economy, from possible Western pressure.