ASEAN

Beijing’s sanctions only strengthened the Philippine defence chief

After Beijing made strong remarks and sanctioned Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr, the moves backfired — bolstering his standing at home, validating his criticisms of China and further damaging Beijing’s image in Southeast Asia, says Philippine academic Elaine Tolentino.

Elaine C. Tolentino

18 Jun 2026

How Japan’s FOIP is reinforcing ASEAN’s strategic autonomy

The concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) was first proposed in 2016 by then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and now it has been updated under the Sanae Takaichi administration. Japanese academic Sukegawa Seiya notes that the FOIP is a channel for promoting regional cooperation with ASEAN, while respecting its autonomy.

Sukegawa Seiya

12 Jun 2026

Chan Chun Sing: Not pro- or anti-China or the US, ‘We are pro-ASEAN’

At his remarks in the panel discussion at Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 and after-event media interviews, Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing stressed “action and communication” as key to building defence trust, urged ASEAN unity and vigilance, gave his views on Chinese representation and reaffirmed a “pro-ASEAN” stance amid China-US rivalry. Lianhe Zaobao’s Tan Ke-Yang and Daryl Lim report.

Tan Ke-Yang, Daryl Lim

02 Jun 2026

Can ASEAN find its own voice between great powers?

As great power rivalries intensify, Southeast Asia is moving beyond mere geopolitical balancing and pursuing “epistemic autonomy”. The region is rejecting imported Western narratives to build its own knowledge, trust local institutions, and dictate its own future on its own terms, say Chinese academics Li You and Zhai Kun.

Li You, Zhai Kun

21 May 2026

China may power Southeast Asia’s nuclear future

As Southeast Asian countries ponder the use of nuclear power, China looks set to be a key player, given its advantages in technology, delivery and support. Academic Zha Daojiong notes that selecting a partner in nuclear energy is a long-term decision that goes beyond financial considerations.

Zha Daojiong

21 May 2026

Why Southeast Asia wants a boring Trump-Xi summit

Southeast Asia is hoping the Trump-Xi meeting delivers something rare: stability. Despite Trump’s unpredictability, ASEAN sees calmer US-China ties as vital while diversifying beyond both powers, says ISEAS researcher Stephen Olson.

Stephen Olson

12 May 2026

Why the Strait of Malacca is not another Hormuz

Concerns that similar distress seen in the Strait of Hormuz could happen in the Strait of Malacca during geopolitical conflicts are not so straightforward. The latter’s military geography is not the same. Not only that, the US and China have a whole other agenda in the region and the littoral states there are wired differently to guard their interests. Academic John Bradford analyses the situation.

John F. Bradford

11 May 2026

Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit

China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

06 May 2026

From Malacca to Taiwan: China’s chokepoint problem

Asia’s trade flows through a handful of narrow straits. From Malacca to Taiwan, rising geopolitical tensions and security risks are exposing China’s deep dependence on fragile maritime chokepoints, says academic Jasper Verschuur.

Jasper Verschuur

05 May 2026

[Video] Lim Siong Guan: Can Singapore survive?

Singapore’s rise from “unwanted independence” to a trusted global brand was no accident. Former head of the civil service Lim Siong Guan reflects on working with Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Keng Swee in an interview with ThinkChina’s James Loo, and explains why small states must think long term in a world of unknown unknowns, as well as how culture, trust and a stellar civil service matter more than ever as Singapore navigates great power rivalry and rapid technological change.

James Loo

30 Apr 2026

[Big read] Pinglu Canal: Redrawing China-ASEAN trade routes

The Guangxi’s Pinglu Canal, hailed as the “project of the century”, is expected to open in September, adding a major artery to the region’s access to the sea and seen as a key to unlocking Guangxi’s development. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out from traders, shipping operators and local residents their expectations from the improved connectivity.

Lim Zhan Ting

30 Apr 2026

US-China rivalry undermines fight against cyber scams in Southeast Asia

China and the US have reasons to work together to tackle the scourge of cyberfraud in Southeast Asia. The problem, however, is that their geopolitical rivalry gets in the way.

Stephen Olson

28 Apr 2026