Showing 31 - 40 of 178
Coming clean on CPTPP
News, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2021
» China's move to formally apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) should be a catalyst in accelerating the Thai government's decision on joining the controversial pact.
Aukus pact raises geopolitical tensions
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/10/2021
» In less than a month, the trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom (Aukus) has stolen the thunder from other geostrategic schemes that have been around for over a decade.
UK pivot could be good for Thais
News, Editorial, Published on 25/07/2021
» This weekend the UK's HMS Richmond has entered Thai territorial waters to conduct a joint military exercise with the Royal Thai Navy. It represents the first visit of a Royal Navy ship to Thailand since HMS Daring visited in 2014. Notably, it is the first engagement of the UK Carrier Strike Group with an Asean nation as part of the UK government's commitment to becoming "a persistent, credible and reliable presence in the Indo-Pacific".
China's way with a divided, inert Asean
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 18/06/2021
» The recent Asean-China foreign ministers' meeting early this month in Chongqing was crucial for its timing and circumstances. Co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, it was the first "in-person" meeting among foreign ministers of both sides since the Covid-19 period began early last year.
Asean, China promote Asian values
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/06/2021
» In commemorating the 30th anniversary of Asean-China relations later this year at the summit level, it is expected that China will be represented by Xi Jinping, who has yet to attend an Asean-related summit under his presidency. Of course, this is just a plan for both sides, which still need further discussion to celebrate their "shared future" trajectory. After all, when Asean agrees on the upgrade of China's longstanding strategic partnership to a comprehensive one, there must be a very special li-you (raison d'etre) to do so. And the list is long.
Vaccine rollout and the West's credibility crisis
News, Published on 07/06/2021
» With the world trying to recover from the massive economic shock brought by Covid-19, the mishandling of the global vaccine rollout has weakened trust in the international system that emerged after World War II. Combined with memories of the 2008 global financial crisis, which originated in the advanced economies, today's failures are reinforcing suspicions among some countries that the international order may no longer be fit for purpose. The West, in particular, must take these concerns seriously. With no other multilateral system to replace the current one, the only alternative is a scenario of global fragmentation and rising economic, social, and political tensions.
Anutin must go
Oped, Postbag, Published on 28/04/2021
» Re: "Anutin defies calls to quit health post," (BP, April 26).
Anti-China outrage pulls Beijing into Myanmar coup crisis
Published on 17/03/2021
» Chinese factories torched as mainland workers hunker down under martial law -- Beijing is being pulled into the ulcerous crisis in Myanmar, an unravelling country it had carefully stitched into its big plans for Asia.
Myanmar coup poses many dilemmas
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 19/02/2021
» Myanmar's military coup on Feb 1 and the popular anger and ongoing local protests in reaction to it inside the country pose multiple and multi-layered dilemmas for all parties involved. The Tatmadaw, as Myanmar's armed forces are known, led by junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is now mired in repercussions and consequences well beyond its original intent. Whether the Tatmadaw prevails or not, Myanmar is unlikely to regain the traction of reform and progress that has been on track in the past decade.
Beijing frets over political upheaval in Nay Pyi Taw
Oped, Published on 05/02/2021
» China's response to the military coup in Myanmar has been considered as moderate by the western media. This is based on Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin's statement, saying he hoped all sides in Myanmar can appropriately handle their differences under the constitution and legal framework and safeguard political and social stability.