Asia Pacific
Thailand’s Economy and the Pandemic: Facing Delays and Difficult Choices
Thailand is one of the few countries that can claim to have restricted the internal spread of COVID-19 so far. The country has yet to reach 3500 total cases, with limited deaths, currently at 58. A timely border closure supported by initiatives that were broadly embraced by Thai citizens have contributed to this arguably successful containment, especially considering the size of Thailand’s population at nearly 70 million citizens. But has it truly been a success?
Southeast Asia’s Transboundary Haze: Obstacles to a Regional Solution
The so-called ‘ASEAN Way’ can be an obstacle to effectively addressing regional transboundary issues, and the transboundary haze problem is no exception.
EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: Vietnam’s Competitive Gains
Given the recent slowdown in trade growth in major economies, Vietnam remains an outlier. The country’s import-export turnover crossed USD 500 billion in 2019.
Potential end of a Philippines-US Security Treaty
The US-Philippine alliance is on the rocks, which has major implications for the Asia-Pacific: it marks a notable decrease in US influence in the region, creating a power void that will be filled by China, and further fragmenting a region that is already facing a growing arms race.
Australia-Japan alliance: A blueprint for something bigger?
Is the strengthening of bonds between Japan and Australia merely an attempt to balance China, or is it a sign of a more promising future?
Nuclear energy challenges in Japan
Japan has adopted a peaceful approach towards nuclear technology, limiting it to the use of supplying electricity. This is now creating challenges.
The Philippines’ shifting stance towards the South China Sea dispute
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has been known for its conciliatory approach towards China in relation to the South China Sea dispute, preferring to engage with Beijing as close trade and investment partner rather than a threat to its sovereignty. However, recent Chinese activities in the Spratly Islands are putting this stance into question.
Fake news in Asian politics
Asian politics has been riddled with dissemination of rumours and fake news harboured by social media over the past decade.
Lessons from Hanoi with Prof Stephan Haggard
Donald Trump was widely criticised for walking away in Hanoi but the disappointing end of the summit holds prospects for a more realistic approach to denuclearisation. With input from Prof Stephan Haggard, here is some insight into what really happened in Hanoi and what we can expect to happen next.
Beijing’s ‘creeping expansionism’ in the South China Sea
The South China Sea island dispute is an ongoing and complex situation in Southeast Asia’s doorstep. It has the power to disrupt multilateral alliances.
