Tag - asean

 
 

ASEAN

A train passes over downtown Kuala Lumpur
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 26, 2024
ASEAN's second renaissance is now
The bloc’s economies, despite varying political landscapes, rank among the world’s most dynamic.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) shakes hands with Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during an ASEAN summit closing ceremony to hand over the grouping's chairmanship to Kuala Lumpur at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, in October.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 16, 2024
Lowering tensions key priority for incoming ASEAN chair Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur will reach out to key players including Japan to try and jointly tackle the critical security issues affecting Southeast Asia, Malaysian envoy says.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering visiting Indonesia and Malaysia in early January, government sources have said.
JAPAN
Dec 9, 2024
Ishiba eyes visit to Indonesia and Malaysia in early January
Ishiba will postpone his planned visit to South Korea early next year due to political turmoil in the country.
ASEAN leaders pose for a group photo during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane on Oct. 10. U.S. President Joe Biden was notably absent once again from this years ASEAN gathering.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 21, 2024
The U.S. risks irrelevance in Asia
While the Biden administration has boosted U.S. influence in the short term, the long-term outlook for Washington is one of increasing irrelevance in Asia.
President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Hun Sen (center), Honorary President of the CPP Heng Samrin (left) and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right)
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 14, 2024
The son almost rises: Cambodia's Hun Sen the power behind throne
More than a year after inheriting power from his father, Cambodian PM has yet to hold an open news conference to explain how he will navigate challenges.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the ASEAN-China summit during Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 13, 2024
U.S. official accuses Russia and China of blocking Asia leaders' statement
Russia and China blocked a proposed consensus statement for the East Asia Summit, mainly over objections to language on the contested South China Sea.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends the East Asia Summit during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 11, 2024
Ishiba clears low bar in diplomatic debut
Experts said Ishiba's visit signaled that he would maintain continuity with the policies set by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Ishiba addresses the ASEAN-Japan Summit meeting in Laos on Thursday.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 10, 2024
Ishiba keeps low profile as he makes diplomatic debut
The prime minister made pledges to strengthen maritime security and promote decarbonization during his first international trip since taking office.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks toward Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting at the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 10, 2024
Philippines challenges China over South China Sea at ASEAN meet
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said ASEAN and China cannot pretend that all is well on the economic front when there are political tensions.
Soldiers sit next to an armored vehicle outside a hotel during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Vientiane on Tuesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 9, 2024
Southeast Asian summit to seek progress on Myanmar civil war
Rising tensions in the disputed South China Sea will also be on the agenda at the gathering of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has floated an idea of creating an Asian version of the NATO security framework.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 8, 2024
Ishiba's 'Asian NATO' dead on arrival as new PM set for diplomatic debut
Many Asian countries maintain delicate ties with China, making the creation of any defense group aimed at countering Beijing's influence difficult.
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a news conference in Bangkok on Sept. 7.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 8, 2024
ASEAN must play key role in resolving Myanmar crisis, Thai prime minister says
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Monday the regional bloc ASEAN must play a key role in ending the protracted civil war in Myanmar, ahead of a summit of the leaders of the 10-member group in Laos this week.
Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai (left) meets with with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in Beijing, on Aug. 28.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 24, 2024
Form over substance: The contradictions in Japan-China relations
How Japan and other countries in Beijing’s periphery navigate the many incongruities in bilateral relations offers lessons for the U.S. and other Western nations.
Japan, once a secondary player in Southeast Asian regional integration, now needs to balance strengthening ties with ASEAN while navigating its position between the U.S. and China.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 8, 2024
Japan takes a soft diplomatic approach to ASEAN ties
Shifting dynamics in Southeast Asia are compelling Japan to carefully navigate its role amid intense U.S.-China competition.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet on the sidelines of Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday.
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 27, 2024
As foreign ministers meet, China says relations with Japan at 'critical stage'
The pair discussed thorny issues, including Japanese nationals detained in China, food import bans and semiconductor curbs.
Foreign ministers from ASEAN member countries pose for a photo before a meeting session in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 25, 2024
ASEAN seeks to tackle the Myanmar crisis and South China Sea tensions
ASEAN's foreign ministers will discuss efforts to end the Myanmar conflict that has turned into a civil war.
Kali Adem port, north of Jakarta, is flooded due to rising sea levels and land subsidence. Climate change has a dire impact on the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities, therefore exacerbating maritime security challenges.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 12, 2024
Climate change threatens security in the Indo-Pacific
Leaders need to recognize that climate change is a maritime security challenge due to its impact on coastal regions, which exacerbates old problems and creates new ones.
If Donald Trump were to win a second term, his aggressive stance toward China and inclination for protectionist measures could complicate the situation for Southeast Asian nations.
COMMENTARY / World
May 8, 2024
What a second Trump term could mean for Southeast Asia
Donald Trump has made bold promises about U.S.-China policy that, if enacted, would transform the world.
Tourists visit Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok in January.
BUSINESS
Apr 8, 2024
Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to attract more tourists
The plan is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among neighboring countries.
Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup on Feb. 1, 2021, presides over an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on March 27, 2021.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 25, 2024
Thailand starts aid deliveries to Myanmar under plan aimed at managing conflict
The first batch of 4,000 relief bags carrying rice, dried food, and other essentials for 20,000 people was delivered in a convoy by the Thai Red Cross.

Longform

Members of the Wajima City Morning Market Association pose for a group photograph on the site where the market once stood.
In the wake of disaster, the revival of Wajima's market brings hope