China pushes business-as-usual with Myanmar’s junta
Facebook0TwitterReddit10Linkedinemail The Myanmar government has approved a $2.5 billion energy project which observers say is likely a Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative….
China
Cambodia signals foreign policy shift by halting military drills with China
Cambodia’s postponement of an important military exercise with its closest ally has more to do with the county’s foreign policy and shifting relations with Washington than COVID-19.
Water levels on the Mekong River are declining sharply: Who is to blame?
The Mekong’s normal flow can be restored if large volumes of water are consistently and reliably released from Chinese dam reservoirs. However, China’s water policy shows Beijing is unlikely to change its behavior and the worst for the Mekong is yet to come.
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 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.
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.
Geopolitics plays out on the Mekong with doubts on dams and promises of cooperation
The geopolitics of the Mekong river continue to evolve, with key announcements from China, Thailand and the Mekong River Commission.