Beijing accuses Manila of obstructing participation at ASEAN defence meeting
Diplomatic tensions between China and the Philippines resurfaced at a regional defence summit, with Beijing accusing Manila of obstructing its participation.
South East Asia
Indonesian Toxic Haze Raises Social Issues
Millions of people across Southeast Asia are facing a growing environmental and public health crisis as toxic haze from Indonesia's forest fires spreads across the region.
Myanmar president to visit Malaysia amid migrant repatriation controversy
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Malaysia as Kuala Lumpur faces growing criticism over the repatriation of Myanmar nationals despite concerns for their safety.
BRICS and the Crisis of Global Governance: Reformist Coalition or Alternative World Order?
As emerging powers gain influence, BRICS seeks to reform global governance by challenging Western dominance within international institutions rather than replacing the existing order.
Read Mark Carney’s full speech at the World Economic Forum
Read the full transcript of the Canadian Prime Minister's special address in Davos, Switzerland.
Southeast Asia: cyberattack victim or aggressor?
Cyberattacks in Southeast Asia have doubled, targeting finance, healthcare, and government sectors. Organised networks and “Scam-as-a-Service” tools expose regional vulnerabilities, demanding stronger collective cyber defences.
Hijackings at Dawn: Piracy’s Alarming Return
Maritime piracy resurges significantly in 2025, primarily in regions like Somalia, the Gulf of Guinea, and Southeast Asia, reflecting evolving threats to global shipping security.
The South China Sea: A Complex Historical and Geopolitical Landscape
Tensions in the South China Sea have intensified, particularly regarding the Spratly Islands, influenced by China’s assertiveness and countermeasures from regional allies like the Philippines and…
The importance of the Strait of Malacca for Chinese Trade
The Strait of Malacca is crucial for global trade, facilitating 20% of it, but faces challenges like piracy, congestion, and geopolitical tensions affecting multiple countries.
China Military Spending
China plans to spend $231.4 billion on defense, but it's believed to be underestimated. Other Asian nations see China as a threat, especially due to its…