Report shows Southeast Asia’s views on US, China are shifting
A new report shows rising trust in the US among Southeast Asia’s upper classes, along with anxiety about China’s dominance and a continued commitment to neutrality.
Asean
Southeast Asia eyes digital currencies as financial institutions look to the future
Southeast Asia appears open to blockchain technology and the digitization of currency despite the fact that the majority of the public remains reliant on cash.
How could outreach to Southeast Asia help Turkey?
Faced with economic and strategic challenges, Turkey has turned to Southeast Asia to potentially help revive its economy. Ankara may find support from China in its new push, but building ties with the region will depend on Turkey’s ability to keep religion out of the equation.
What do President Donald Trump’s last minute deals in Southeast Asia say about his legacy?
Southeast Asia’s autocratic leaders have adored Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy and at times won trade and defense deals without adequate scrutiny of their poor human rights records. The incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden will take a tougher stance on democracy and human rights in bilateral deals.
How significant is India’s accelerated outreach to Vietnam?
The past few months have seen growing engagements between India and Vietnam. While China’s aggression remains a common concern, for India this is also an opportunity to reset its engagements with ASEAN after opting out of the RCEP in November.
East Asia backs risky fossil fuels in SE Asia, ignores $205 billion renewables market
Facebook0TwitterReddit0Linkedinemail Southeast Asia’s wind and solar markets will likely be worth $205 billion over the next decade, but key investors in Japan, China and South…
Connectivity projects emerge as an area of cooperation between Quad countries
The “Quad” countries are showing interest in connectivity projects in Southeast Asia by getting involved in two initiatives across the region. Does it hint at further formalization of the coalition and what impact, if any, does it have on existing initiatives in the region?
Vietnam’s 2021-25 government to focus on resilience, regional leadership
Vietnam’s successful response to COVID-19 appears to be giving way to a rapid recovery, drawing international attention to the country’s leadership both domestically and on regional issues for Southeast Asia.
The rise of neobanks in Southeast Asia: How far can they go?
Southeast Asian consumers unable to gain credit or access traditional banks are turning to neobanks. Conditions are ripe for these challengers to traditional financial institutions to make progress, although COVID-19 might threaten their disruptive potential.
Will withdrawal from the RCEP damage India’s relations with Southeast Asia?
India decided to withdraw from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) last year. What impact will this decision have on its engagements with ASEAN nations now that the 15-party trade agreement has been approved?