Can Laos manage its debt to China?
Laos borrowed heavily from China to finance key infrastructure and development projects. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith claims the debts are manageable. Is he right?
China
Supreme Court ruling challenges Duterte to protect South China Sea interests
The Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a challenge to President Duterte after being petitioned by fishermen over environmental concerns in the South China Sea.
WeChat is giving trafficked Burmese brides a lifeline
WeChat is an effective tool for NGOs in the fight against human trafficking. It provides a communication lifeline to women and girls deserted by the Burmese government.
Courting ASEAN: US influence in the region has diminished but what comes next for ASEAN?
For decades, China and the US have battled to gain strong footholds in Southeast Asia. As China makes gains and the US drops back, how can ASEAN respond?
Too little too late: ASEAN’s role in the plight of the Uyghurs
ASEAN was not hospitable to the Uyghur population when they arrived as refugees. But as the full extent of China’s mass incarceration policy comes to light, ASEAN nations have the opportunity to make amends.
Malaysia says ‘no more non-recyclable waste’ – will the world take note?
Malaysia has banned imports of non-recyclable waste. It is time other countries followed suit and tried to solve waste problems instead of moving them elsewhere?
ASEAN is not China: Why the ASEAN P2P lending market will avoid the Chinese pitfalls
Recent market shifts in China have raised serious concerns regarding the long-term stability of P2P lending. But ASEAN is not China. It will not suffer the same fate.
Illegal workers are just the beginning: Duterte’s pivot to China is not having the desired effect
Despite making extensive concessions to Beijing, the Philippines has not received much in return. What looked like an appealing marriage, has become an abusive relationship.
Progressing from the DOC the COC: a difficult route to navigate
ASEAN leaders will convene in Singapore for the 33rd ASEAN summit this week. Making progress towards an effective Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should top the agenda.
US-China relations: From trade conflicts to a struggle for power
US-Chinese trade has traditional kept relations cordial between the two powers. Under Trump, this is changing.