Showing 1 - 10 of 26
America risks grand folly in Iran war
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/03/2026
» It is just the first week of the joint attack between the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, but the repercussions from the Middle East for the Indo-Pacific are already discernible.
China's bluster over Japan's Taiwan remarks
News, John J Metzler, Published on 05/12/2025
» Beijing has gone rhetorically ballistic over comments by Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute "a situation threatening Japan's survival" that thus could trigger a military response. Her statement poses uncharacteristically tough talk from Tokyo at a time when tensions are running high in the Far East.
Recasting Korea–Asean relations
Oped, Suh Jeong-in, Published on 03/12/2025
» At the Asean–Republic of Korea (ROK) Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October, President Lee Jae-myung presented a five-year vision for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
Asean must grab its rare-earth shot
News, Imran Khalid, Published on 22/11/2025
» US President Donald Trump's return to Southeast Asia last month felt like a rerun -- tariffs, tough talk, and televised deals. But this time, he left behind more than headlines. From Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi, Mr Trump inked trade pacts promising tariff relief on US exports in exchange for joint ventures in mining and refining the rare-earth minerals that power the world's clean-tech boom.
Crushing dissent widens rifts with governments
Oped, Amitabh Behar, Published on 31/10/2025
» Thousands of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists are gathering in Bangkok during the International Civil Society Week from Nov 1–5. The event will be organised by the CIVICUS Alliance. CIVICUS is an international non-profit organisation focused on civil rights and citizen action. It was founded in 1993 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
US tariff shock upsides for Asean
Oped, Suh Jeong In, Published on 24/04/2025
» 'Let the dust from the White House settle first," said former Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon in an interview with Korean media. A Southeast Asian figure I met during an Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Experts and Eminent Persons (EEPs) meeting held recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, expressed a similar sentiment.
Treaty could end our plastic crisis
Oped, Salisa Traipipitsiriwat & Penchom Saetang, Published on 29/11/2024
» On Nov 13, a coalition of 160 civil society organisations in Thailand made a historic plea, submitting a joint statement urging the Thai government to champion a strong Global Plastics Treaty at the upcoming fifth and final negotiations in Busan, South Korea. This treaty, initiated in 2022, aims to establish a legally binding global framework to address plastic pollution across its entire life cycle.
Treaty a chance to solve plastic crisis
Oped, Salisa Traipipitsiriwat and Penchom Saetang, Published on 21/11/2024
» Plastic pollution is a massive problem that needs to be solved collectively at the global level.
Paris Olympics can help unify a fractured city
News, Lionel Laurent, Published on 26/07/2024
» Paris faces the test this week of launching the Olympic Games safely and affordably at a time of war, political polarisation and social unrest. It's not a done deal. Heavy-handed security barriers and Covid-style QR codes are already infuriating residents and tourists trying to navigate a River Seine that's been cleaned at great expense.
Inspirations for travel
Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 21/08/2023
» When I visited Ayutthaya Historical Park last week, I noticed some tourists posing for photos among the ruined temples while wearing classic period attire. My companions and I started to perspire under the brilliant blue sky and soaring temperatures, but they carried on happily exploring various places to take in the nostalgic atmosphere. I could not help but admire how eager they were to enjoy their vacation.