Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Vietnam steps up as a regional leader
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/08/2025
» Vietnam wisely chose South Korea to showcase a new strategic-economic partnership in the region, focusing on growing trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. As the first country to dispatch a top leader to meet newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, the Hanoi government sends a clear signal to both Northeast and Southeast Asia that South Korea and Vietnam are emerging together as a driving force of regional connectivity and economic growth.
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.
Trump should revisit his tariff schemes
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/04/2025
» President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, marking "Liberation Day", hit foes and friends of the US equally. The immediate effect is that Mr Trump has rallied the rest of the world to prepare for a future without US dominance. To put it mildly, they must become less dependent on the US in every possible way -- unless Mr Trump changes his approach.
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.
Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy at play
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 25/06/2024
» In front of a gigantic golden statue of President Ho Chi Minh, President Vladimir Putin stood, solemnly shaking hands with his counterpart President To Lam. The iconic photo underscored the ties that bind the two nations.
What might have been at Vegas summit
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/03/2020
» The Asean officials preparing for the March 14 special Asean-US Summit were greatly relieved when the White House announced on Friday that the Las Vegas rendezvous would be postponed due to Covid-19 fears. Indeed, with exactly two weeks to go before the event, the Asean side was still wondering what the "deliverable milestones" of their summit were likely to be.
Engaging with China on infrastructure
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/04/2019
» Later this week, 37 heads of state and government, as well as 5,000 participants from over 150 countries, will converge on Beijing for the second Belt and Road Initiative Forum for International Cooperation. The mammoth gathering of dignitaries and policymakers is crucial for the five-year-old BRI to gain wider recognition and power to move onto the next cycle with new lessons learned and adjustments made. For President Xi Jinping, it will be a moment of truth for his leadership and China's dream.
Thailand revitalising Acmecs scheme
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/06/2018
» Renewed schemes for the region's three great rivers -- under the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (Acmecs) -- are making a comeback after some soul-searching amid a plethora of connectivity plans. Bangkok will host the 8th Acmecs summit this Friday and Saturday.