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Asean

Asean
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Asean Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development of its member states and the protection of regional peace and stability.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
War and conflict

Opinion | Asia has to learn the lessons of war while it still can

The time to learn is before the fire reaches the house. Every war forces us to ask: if this logic came to our region, what would we do?

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Climate change

Letters | In age of climate whiplash, Asian solutions need philanthropic support

Banking & finance

Opinion | Hong Kong is emerging as a leading capital hub of the multipolar era

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US-China relations

Editorial | Shangri-La Dialogue has outlived its usefulness for China

While Washington and Beijing softened their rhetoric this year, the US-dominated forum is exhausting its function as a space for engagement.

Major General Meng Xiangqing (left) of the PLA National Defence University, and head of the Chinese delegation, gestures as he attends the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore on May 31. Photo: AFP
Cambodia

Cambodia starts UN-backed process for maritime dispute with Thailand

The dispute relates to sea space in the Gulf of ‌Thailand that holds trillions of cubic feet of natural gas and large quantities of oil.

Malaysia

Why oil-hungry Asia ignores risks linked to Russia’s ‘dark fleet’

Asia prioritises fuel needs over security risks from Russian oil to survive the energy crisis, despite sanctions and diplomatic dilemmas.

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China-Latin America relations

China urges Brazil to jointly repel ‘external challenges’ as ties deepen

Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira meets Wang Yi and Han Zheng as Brazil seeks key stable fertiliser supply amid US-Iran conflict.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
The Philippines

Opinion | Will the US’ Pax Silica deliver for the Philippines?

The Pax Silica plan to make the Philippines a vital node in a US-led tech supply chain is built on seemingly speculative promises and risks riling China.

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Singapore

Shangri-La Dialogue: can Asia do ‘less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs’?

In response to Hegseth’s call, participants at the Singapore forum say defence spending levels have to factor in different countries’ needs.

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The Philippines

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

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A Chinese coastguard vessel patrols the disputed South China Sea on May 23. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

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The Naval Strike Missiles produced by a Norwegian company are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships. Photo: Kongsberg
Singapore

Asian Angle | Where Southeast Asians really want to live, work and travel

While Thailand leads for tourism, Singapore and Japan are the top draws for work, revealing uneven regional soft power dynamics.

Singapore

Sustained security can’t come from ‘barrel of a gun’: East Timor’s Ramos-Horta

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the East Timor president cites Asean as an example of how communication can prevent conflict and yield dividends.

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US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Illustration: Huy Truong
The Philippines

Opinion | Why the Philippines walks a delicate balance as Asean chair

Manila’s success at the helm will depend on its ability to make the Association of Southeast Asian Nations more operational than before.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Vietnam

Vietnam, Philippines to forge stronger ‘alignment’ on 50 years of ties

Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.

The Philippines

Philippines lags behind neighbours on tourism. How will it step up its game?

While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Cross-border wealth hub crown latest sign Hong Kong is roaring back

City overtook Switzerland in BCG wealth report, underscoring vital ‘superconnector’ role between mainland and international capital markets.

People walk through the Central district of Hong Kong on January 26. Photo: Jelly Tse
China exports

Southeast Asia is building a huge regional power grid. How is China involved?

Chinese firms are integral to Southeast Asia’s green transition plan, which will see nations across the region integrate their grids, official says.

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Laos

Video | Rescuers race to save miners in flooded Laos cave

Thai teams have joined the mission, as rescuers share photos of the treacherous conditions in the cave tunnel.

Indonesia

How US military aircraft repair hub could threaten Indonesian neutrality

If Indonesia turns Kertajati Airport into a Hercules repair hub, it risks being seen as siding with the US in times of war, analysts say.

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Kertajati Airport in West Java is dubbed a “ghost airport” due to its nearly deserted terminals and lack of commercial passenger traffic. Photo: Shutterstock
Cambodia

Video | Cambodia’s Hun Sen pardons detained opposition leader

Many political opponents were convicted during Hun Sen’s time in power while Sam Rainsy, the co-founder of Sokha’s party, CNRP, remains in self-exile in France.

Cambodia National Rescue Party Kem Sokha
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Cambodia

Hun Sen pardons detained Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha

Many political opponents were convicted during Hun Sen’s time in power while Kem Sokha’s CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy remains in self-exile in France.

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Energy

Shock absorber: will Asean’s power grid be up to the task by 2045?

With only eight of 18 links built and a 100-terawatt demand surge looming, analysts say the blueprint may need an overhaul for the AI age.

Hong Kong

Opinion | In a fractured world, Hong Kong must seize its Apec moment

The city will host the finance ministers’ meeting in October. It could seize the day and deepen cooperation with like-minded cities.

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The Hong Kong skyline, seen on February 28, 2025. Photo: Nora Tam
South China Sea

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

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Troops from New Zealand, the Philippines, the US and Australia pose for a photo after taking part in counter-landing live-fire drills during the Balikatan exercises on April 27. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Asian Angle | What the China-US stability pact means for Southeast Asia

The real test of Beijing and Washington’s adoption of ‘constructive strategic stability’ will be how words translate into action.

Artificial intelligence

Southeast Asia is chasing the AI boom, but at what cost?

A regional dash for digital dominance risks running headlong into an energy crunch and an existential threat to jobs.

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