Testing time for Asean
The South China Sea is experiencing what the Straits of Malacca did – overcrowding by big external powers, making the case yet again for stronger Asean representation.
On the edge of a territorial clash
The heated border area dispute between India and China is almost incomprehensible, leaving Bhutan a much more afflicted country than either of its giant neighbours.
The politics of four-eyed meetings
There are summits, and then there are twosome summits, as the warm-up to a hotly anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin makes clear.
Focus sharply on terrorism
Containing terrorists and eliminating terrorism as their violence spreads in the region is challenging enough, without distractions that complicate the fight against them.
The meanings behind the words
The Association of South-East Asian Nations almost has a language of its own, whose larger meanings lie in the intent, history and actions between the words themselves.
Casting a spotlight on the Koreas
To understand the peninsula’s situation better in forming appropriate responses, clear away misconceptions, presumptions and prejudices – especially the familiar and established ones.
Long way from closing in on terror
Despite many fiery statements against terrorism, governments have failed to stop the most notorious of terrorist groups, Islamic State; so what now?
China in period of transition
As a large and important country undergoing change, China’s impact on the world will continue to be significant – but what of the quality and direction of that change?
The ‘enemies’ are at home
Despite speculation over problems in US-China relations, prospects are good for healthy ties – although not as good for rival camps in the Trump administration itself.
Focus on the policies
Beyond the noisy protests over Trump’s presidency, there are important policy issues and implications that need better understanding – but which are still neglected.
Malice in wonderland
AT first, it seemed simple enough, but it was just the opposite: a foreign man is accosted with a lethal face rub by two foreign women at KL International Airport 2.
A faintly familiar feeling
Another round of peace talks between Thailand and rebel groups hosted by Malaysia will be starting soon, but any new chances of success are still in question.