ASEAN’s Economic Agenda: Towards Greater Strategic Agency?

INTRODUCTION: As the global landscape becomes more fragmented, ASEAN’s challenge is no longer simply to remain open

Japan-ASEAN’s vision for “Co-Creating” AI

INTRODUCTION: Amid growing Sino-US rivalry and technological bifurcation, Japan and ASEAN should work together on “co-creating” AI models which are more inclusive.

The Philippines’ Engagement with Japan: A Steady and Deepening Strategic Partnership

INTRODUCTION: In a speech delivered in August 2025, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr reiterated his earlier observation

ASEAN’s Gulf ties put diversification to the test

INTRODUCTION: ASEAN has long framed trade diversification as a strategic priority, but in practice its economic ties have become more regionally concentrated

The EU and Singapore: Partnering for Resilience in the Indo-Pacific

INTRODUCTION: As the world moves unprepared from a rules-based order, there is an urgent need for greater cooperation among regional and extra-regional countries to address the arising challenges.

The South China Sea – Ten Years After the 2016 Arbitral Award

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines chairs ASEAN this year on the tenth anniversary of an arbitral award in its favour.

What the Trump-Takaichi Summit Revealed About the US-Japan Alliance

INTRODUCTION: The US-Japan alliance remains secure, but insecurity is mounting in Asia about the firmness of the US’ commitment to the region.

Sino-Japan Spat: Triple Dilemma Needs Trust-Building ASEAN Response

INTRODUCTION: China has been trying to get Southeast Asian countries to take its side in Beijing’s spat with Japan.

Iran War Hurts ASEAN, but it Still needs the US

INTRODUCTION: Moribund markets roared back to life in Southeast Asia with the news on April 7 of a US-Iran two-week ceasefire.

Myanmar’s New President: Does he Have What it Takes?

INTRODUCTION: When the former chief of the Myanmar junta, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, was selected as the country’s new president on April 3, a pro-military website in the capital Naypyitaw described it as a “return to civilian-led democracy.