Showing 1 - 10 of 82
India plans mega-dam to counter China water fears
AFP, Published on 30/09/2025
» RIEW (INDIA) - On a football field ringed by misty mountains, the air rang with fiery speeches as tribesmen protested a planned mega-dam -- India's latest move in its contest with China over Himalayan water.
Thai-Vietnamese ties enter new phase
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/06/2025
» Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key Asean nations -- Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence. Earlier batches of CSPs included global powers such as China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia.
Securing the Mekong's water future
Oped, Published on 18/09/2024
» Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Mekong River Commission (MRC) kick off a second round of talks about water security.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
Building a shared future together
News, Published on 18/03/2024
» The Lancang-Mekong River, which begins in China and stretches for nearly 5,000 kilometres, flows through the highest number of riparian countries than other rivers in Asia. The six riparian countries -- China and other five downstream nations (namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand) which are "enjoying the same river" -- form a community with a shared future featuring "equality, sincerity, mutual assistance and kinship". The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism, named after the river, has been warmly received and responded to by all relevant countries since its initiation.
Ripe time to boost Thai-Vietnamese ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/12/2023
» Thai-Vietnamese ties have come a long way since they were first established in the 12th century. It is high time for both countries to sit down and work together towards a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).
Japan's dilemmas need bold answers
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/11/2023
» Among the big countries vying for power and influence in the fluid and contentious geostrategic arena, Japan faces the most daunting challenges. Most of the recognised major powers in Asia, from China and India to Indonesia and South Korea, are rising and aspiring for bigger roles and grander objectives, while Japan's place in the global pecking order has been in decline. The last time Japan had to confront such an existential threat to its place in the world may have been in the 1860s when the Western powers shook up and threatened to take over the isolated and inward-looking martial society.
Acmecs: The power of working together
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/10/2023
» Amid great geopolitical realignment and unpredictability, existing and new mini-lateral groups throughout the world have been revitalised or created. Their common objective is a simple one -- finding their own niche to augment their bargaining power for national and regional preservation. Mainland Southeast Asia is no exception. To survive in a multipolar world, every nation, big or small, must be on full alert 24/7.
Himalayas key to climate battle
News, Published on 15/05/2023
» In our collective imagination, the Himalayas -- the roof of the world -- are an archetype: glistening white, distant, even otherworldly. Climbing them is proof of humanity's daring, courage and drive. And yet, despite rising 6,993 metres above sea level, the summit of Mount Machapuchare in central Nepal resembled a black rock pyramid this winter, devoid of ice and snow. Glaciers near Mount Everest have turned into large lakes.
New chapter for Mekong region
Oped, Published on 23/03/2023
» This year marks the 7th anniversary of the launch of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation understanding. As a new sub-regional cooperation mechanism jointly established by the riparian countries of China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation has developed rapidly and achieved remarkable results in the past seven years, making it a veritable "golden example" of regional cooperation.