Will Rodrigo Duterte finish his term?
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is not even a year into his presidency, but his critics want him out. They can try, but they will fail.
South China Sea (SCS)
Does “large-scale war” begin here? Trump’s man blasts China, pledges support for Southeast Asia
Rex Tillerson, Trump’s nominee for America’s next foreign policy chief, launched his bid for the job with explosive statements on the South China Sea that call for a block on China’s access to the disputed waters and islands.
ASEAN’s new arms race: nations scramble to rearm as concerns over security grow
As national leaders wobble over how to approach shifting tensions and allegiances over the South China Sea the most direct response has been billions of dollars of spending on fighter jets, boats, weapons and submarines.
How much for ASEAN? Why China’s cheque-book diplomacy may win them the South China Sea
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailA series of big-money investment deals has brought ASEAN nations politically and economically closer to China. But in this big-stakes diplomatic game, the banker in…
Who can face up to China? Vietnam cast adrift on the South China Sea
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailGrowing tensions threaten ASEAN unity as China is increasing its military capacity while Singapore tries to protect its interests and remain neutral. Editorial As tensions…
Is President Duterte a political chameleon?
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailHe says one thing in Beijing and another in Tokyo, but it is wrong to label Philippines’ President Duterte a cunning political player. Instead, he…
Singapore gets what it wants: keeping powerful friends on the South China Sea
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailThe South China Sea issue plays heavy on the minds of diplomats across the ASEAN region, but Singapore plays a clever game to achieve its…
What is at stake? China’s bid for air supremacy in the South China Sea
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailIn order to project its strength in the South China Sea, China is likely to enforce an air defence identification zone over the area’s contested…
Modi’s first visit to Vietnam brings new defence deals that challenge China
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailIndia’s leader was in Vietnam this week to discuss defence cooperation and agree on a deal that will bring both finance and weaponry into Vietnam’s…
Will Japan build an army?
Facebook0TwitterReddit0LinkedinemailA build-up of operations by the Japanese self-defence force is raising worries that peaceful Japan may scale up its forces following increasing tensions in the…