Showing 1 - 10 of 181
China: Benefactor or imperial menace?
Oped, Published on 06/09/2024
» Since the start of the 21st century, China has shown its desire to recapture its previous position as the world's most powerful and influential nation. Centuries ago, China -- going by the name of the "Middle Kingdom" -- was the world's most influential nation until Western European countries arrived on the shores of the Chinese empire in the early 16th century.
Unpacking China's global influence
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 29/08/2024
» Is China an enigma? If it is difficult to decipher the country on some fronts, there are other elements which are more accessible. While it might be easy to look at its impressive growth in recent decades as diverging from other global players in key areas, there are other areas which are mutually convergent. From the multidimensional panorama of a complex world -- the "multiplex" world, a preferred approach is not to generalise too much but to analyse the specifics of our times for possible confluence.
People power has won, for now
News, Published on 07/08/2024
» Sheikh Hasina could have left gracefully. Instead, Bangladesh's prime minister resigned and fled to neighbouring India, ending her 15-year-long rule as chaos has engulfed the nation. The army wasted no time stepping in to form an interim government, although what shape that will take is still unclear.
How Sino-American rivalry reshapes world order
Oped, Published on 12/06/2024
» Tensions between the United States and China continue to flare, even as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and several other senior US officials visit the country for talks. The two sides may disagree on most things, but maintaining dialogue is an essential part of geopolitics. The breakdown in communication last year, following visits to Taiwan by prominent American politicians and the US downing of a Chinese spy balloon, was dangerous and destabilising, because when adversaries do not engage, misperceptions -- and the risk of a clash -- mount.
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.
India's Buddhist diplomacy in action
Oped, Published on 06/03/2024
» The historic loan of relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana to Thailand has created excitement among Buddhist Thais.
Is Cambodia a new agricultural power?
Oped, Published on 17/02/2024
» Hun Manet, the new Cambodian prime minister and son of the previous prime minister and former military general Hun Sen, recently announced the implementation of a new strategic policy for local agricultural development.
Xi's visit signals better Sino-Vietnam ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/12/2023
» About 18 hours ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip here, at the Tam Vi, a Michelin-star Vietnamese restaurant, a group of young Chinese entrepreneurs were discussing the prospects of his historic visit on Dec 12-13.
Land bridge needs rethink
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2023
» The government deserves praise for its quick work to promote investments in Thailand. That said, speed is not always of the essence when the project in question has a considerable impact on the country.