The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is holding separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, Canada and the US, allowing big power rivalries and regional issues from North Korean missiles to the South China Sea to grab considerable attention. US Vice President Kamala Harris is attending the event in place of President Joe Biden, who will soon depart …

As diplomatic tensions escalate over Myanmar’s ongoing turmoil, Malaysia has taken a bold stance within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This article delves deeper into Malaysia’s call for robust measures against Myanmar’s ruling generals and explores the mounting frustration within ASEAN due to the military’s failure to end violence and engage constructively with the peace plan.  The Call …

The recently elected administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which is part of a coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party, has announced a detailed policy program that consists of seven important topics. This policy, which is referred to as “1 stimulation, 3 speeding up, and 3 creation,” calls for big changes in several of Thailand’s economic and political spheres. …

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday will embark on a trip to Indonesia for the 43rd ASEAN Summit continuing till September 7 before landing in New Delhi, India, for the G20 Summit from September 9 – 10, Yonhap News Agency reported. This will be the second consecutive year Yoon has attended both gatherings, highlighting the importance his administration places …

In a display of commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security, the Philippines and the United States recently conducted a joint naval exercise in the West Philippine Sea. This bilateral sail activity signifies a shared dedication to enhancing interoperability and bolstering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The naval exercise featured the Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal …

China, under President Xi Jinping‘s leadership, has taken a surprising diplomatic turn that has raised eyebrows and concerns among its neighboring nations.  In response to the rejection of China’s contentious “made-in-China map” by neighboring countries, Xi Jinping has canceled multiple upcoming summit appearances, signaling a significant shift in China’s diplomatic strategy. A Diplomatic Disconnect: China’s Inflexibility China’s decision to withdraw …

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is likely to be in Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin. Discussion is likely to focus on the Kremlin acquiring military hardware from North Korea to bolster the Russian forces with weapons for the ongoing Ukraine war.  The White House has been closely monitoring talks between the two countries as arms negotiations …

Three Thai activists, Angkhana Neelapaijit, Puttanee Kangkun, and Thanaporn Saleephol, were recently cleared of criminal defamation charges in a decision that both praised the tenacity of human rights advocates and emphasised how oppressive Thailand’s defamation laws are. Their social media posts that exposed the difficult working conditions at a chicken farm run by the Thammakaset firm led to the allegations. …

The FIBA World Cup 2023 has proven to be more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a showcase of the Philippines’ exceptional hosting capabilities. As the Final Phase of the tournament, with eight teams remaining, prepares to take center stage at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, accolades pour in for the remarkable efforts behind the scenes. The …

The most recent ASEAN Summit is being hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and is rife with contentious issues that reflect the difficulties Southeast Asian leaders face. This article explores the summit’s main themes, the absence of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the effects of these developments on the geopolitics of the area, and the significance of ASEAN. Myanmar Crisis …