Southeast Asia & Oceania
A Look Into ASEAN-US Relations Ahead of November Summit
President Donald Trump’s second term has reshaped US engagement with ASEAN countries concerning tariffs, trade, relations with China, and regional security.
Is Reopening the Panguna Copper and Gold Mine a Boon or a Bane?
The reopening of the Panguna copper and gold mine raises questions about Bougainville’s independent future. As a soon-to-be sovereign nation pursuing growth and expansion, it risks trading environmental stability for economic development.
The Iran War's Back Door Runs Through Malaysian Waters
For months, tankers anchored off Malaysia's Johor state kept Iranian crude flowing to China despite a US naval blockade. That floating stockpile is nearly gone, and the anchorage has become a test of how far US sanctions reach in Southeast Asia.
Geographic Exploitation Fuels Fiji's HIV Crisis
Fiji’s worsening HIV crisis, driven from crystal meth use and cultural stigma, leaves the country vulnerable to increased transmission.
Malaysia Hosts Myanmar’s Coup Leader While Deporting Thousands of Migrants
Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit since the coup comes as Malaysia pushes to send back 5,000 Myanmar migrants.
South China Sea Code of Conduct Nears its Deadline with Core Questions Still Unanswered
The Philippines wants a deal before its year as ASEAN chair ends, but negotiators still haven't settled if the code would be legally binding or which waters it would cover.
How is Southeast Asia Navigating AI?
Facing an influx of global capital and an unprecedented AI boom, ASEAN must carefully weigh its cost-benefit equations. In particular, increasing reliance on foreign-operated tech corporations requires evaluating long-term environmental impacts and risks.
Flooding Devastates Bangkok’s Drainage Systems
Following a period of torrential downpour, streets and homes were flooded, displacing 700,000 people.
“Save Phuket”: Israel's Foreign Tourism Presence in Thailand
Rising tensions between Thai locals and Israeli tourists are challenging cultural boundaries and straining the enduring relationship between Thailand and Israel.
Op-Ed: Who is Responsible for the Tatmadaw’s Rise?
Myanmar’s Tatmadaw has incited tragedy for decades, disrupting the state and those neighboring it. Despite the lives lost, nations have shown little support for Myanmar’s citizens, at times aiding the military junta.
Myanmar’s Coup Leader Sworn in as President, Seeks Legitimacy from ASEAN
Accused of war crimes and genocide, Myanmar’s de facto leader assumes the presidency with 73% of votes from a parliament dominated by the armed forces.
Iran War Drags Down Southeast Asian Tourism
Fighting in the Middle East has disrupted thousands of flights, driven up oil prices, and upended key transit routes connecting Southeast Asia with much of the world.
ASEAN Leaders Meet in Laos to Discuss Worsening Civil War in Myanmar
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit began on Wednesday Oct. 9 in Vientiane, Laos with a major focus placed on tackling a critical issue within the region: the worsening civil war in Myanmar.
Australia Provides Assistance to Help Its Citizens Leave Lebanon
Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia, has recently urged Australian citizens in Lebanon to leave while they still can. An estimated 15,000 Australians remain in Lebanon after Israel initiated a ground operation in Hezbollah.
Thailand Is the First in Southeast Asia to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
On Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024, Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, making the nation the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Indonesia’s Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate by 0.25%
On Sept. 18, Indonesia’s Central Bank (Bank Indonesia) announced a decrease in their interest rate from 25 basis points (0.25%) to 6%, in a move that came as a surprise to most experts.
New Zealand Walks Back Historic Smoking Ban Legislation
In 2022, New Zealand was lauded for passing the world's first generational smoking ban. In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand has backtracked its course on the ban, announcing a disappointing reversal that has drawn criticism from public health officials.
Philippine and Chinese Vessels Collide in South China Sea, Tensions Rise
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine boat on a resupply mission on Oct. 22, 2023, this past Sunday morning. Following the collision, both sides have swapped accusations of blame, heightening tensions in the already-disputed South China Sea.
Malaysia and Indonesia Express Strong Support for Palestine
In the midst of the worldwide polarization over the Israel-Palestine conflict, Southeast Asia has not been immune to its impact. Malaysia and Indonesia, two predominantly Muslim nations, have voiced strong support of the Palestinian cause. In contrast, several other countries in the region have maintained relatively vague or pro-Israel stances on the issue.
Indonesia Launches First High-Speed Railway with Chinese Funding
This past Monday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated the country’s first high-speed railway in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a new phase in the region’s transportation system.