Southeast Asia

The dangerous simplicity of America’s Asia policy

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The US’s intent has been advanced through concrete demands and deployments. At the SLD, Hegseth pushed Australia to lift its defence spending, reportedly from 2-3% of its GDP. In Japan in March, he announced the upgrading of US Forces Japan into a “war-fighting headquarters” to enhance joint operational capabilities with Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. In the … Read more

Asean’s balancing act in an era of US-China rivalry

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Key themes discussed by Asean leaders at the bloc’s 46th summit in Kuala Lumpur last month included regional resilience and strategic diversification. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: As US-China geopolitical tensions escalate across multiple fronts, from tariffs to technology disputes, Asean finds itself navigating the complexities of balancing its ties with the world’s two largest economies. … Read more

A soulful, slow travel guide to Bandung, Indonesia

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Time softens, mountain air lingers and every encounter feels like an invitation to stay present in this city that promises a distinct memory of Indonesia My introduction to Indonesia was neither through its bustling capital of Jakarta nor the world-famous shores and sights of Bali. It was rather through Bandung, a vast city with a … Read more

ASEAN-GCC-China summit: a civilized vision in a fractured world

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The inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025, may have passed with minimal fanfare in the Western press, but in the corridors of regional diplomacy, it marked a tectonic shift. More than just a diplomatic novelty, the summit signaled a concerted effort to reimagine global cooperation from the perspectives of three … Read more

France’s Macron calls for Asian coalitions as he warns of US-China divisions – Asia & Pacific

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rench President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasized the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Macron is visiting the region as France and the European Union aim to … Read more

France’s Macron calls for Asian coalitions as he warns of US-China divisions – Asia & Pacific

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rench President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasized the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Macron is visiting the region as France and the European Union aim to … Read more

New France-Singapore deal is a ‘tangible roadmap’ for defence and tech partnership, Macron says

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French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s newly signed partnership with Singapore will serve as a “tangible roadmap to innovate together” in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and technology to nuclear energy and defence. “Our defence cooperation, shared support of multilateralism, and joint investment in breakthrough technologies are all paving the way for future generations,” Macron … Read more

China, Asean, Gulf states pledge economic, energy solidarity amid US tariff tensions

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China, Southeast Asian nations and six Gulf states have pledged to foster closer cooperation with a strong emphasis on economic integration and energy collaboration, marking a milestone in enhancing tripartite alignment to tackle regional and global challenges. In a comprehensive joint statement, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the Gulf Cooperation Council … Read more

Macron & Europe: SE Asia’s Missed Opportunity

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The New Calculus of Investment: europe’s Asian Pivot and the Rise of Strategic Autonomy Recent diplomatic and commercial initiatives by European leaders in southeast Asia, notably French President Macron’s engagements in Vietnam and Singapore, signal a basic shift in global economic strategy. This isn’t simply a charm offensive; it represents a calculated effort to secure … Read more