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.
China
China eyes Southeast Asia to build legitimacy for its COVID-19 vaccine despite unclear efficacy data
China has found major buyers for its COVID-19 vaccines in Southeast Asia, even after studies of its Sinovac vaccine have reported wildly divergent efficacy results. The growing acceptance of Beijing’s vaccine without globally-recognized clinical trial results may end up undermining China’s image as a credible vaccine supplier.
COVID-19 and security concerns impact Myanmar’s seafood industry
China’s restrictions on overland trade and security concerns in Shan State have created challenges for Myanmar’s seafood industry, raising costs and threatening to make business unsustainable.
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.
Cambodia’s veiled criticism of Chinese vaccines hints at Hun Sen’s foreign policy plans
It is unclear if Cambodia’s apparent criticism of Chinese coronavirus vaccines is meant to refute the country’s reputation as China’s proxy. If that is the case, then Cambodia needs to do far more to introduce balance to its foreign policy.
US aid for Cambodia to come with conditions: What does it mean for the bilateral relationship?
The US has placed conditions on its aid to Cambodia over the kingdom’s human rights violations and growing ties to China. The change is not likely to achieve any major changes unless the US comes with an offer that matches China’s commitment to the current regime in Cambodia.
China’s new fence on Myanmar border shows shift in strategy along complex frontier
China’s construction of a fence along parts of its varied border with Myanmar has prompted questions about Beijing’s changing approach to the frontier.
Quiet defiance: Understanding Malaysia’s careful stance on Uyghur Muslims
The recent release of a statement clarifying Malaysia’s stance of non-extradition for Uyghur Muslims may push its carefully managed-relationship with China into uncharted territory.
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?