Rubio’s Reassurances to ASEAN Ring Hollow
INTRODUCTION: US Secretary of State came to Malaysia with well-crafted words about the importance of ASEAN, but his rhetoric is undermined by Washington’s protectionist trade policies.
The Critical Impact of Extreme Heat on Rice Production in Southeast Asia
INTRODUCTION: Southeast Asia’s food production has faced mounting challenges in recent years from increasingly severe climate events such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms.
Australia’s quiet role in China–ASEAN dynamics
INTRODUCTION: Australia, with its deep understanding of Southeast Asia, has an opportunity to act as a knowledge partner, quietly bridging China and ASEAN in areas like infrastructure, climate and maritime security.
The success of Southeast Asia’s tilt to Europe depends on commitment to regional reform and global openness
INTRODUCTION: The 2025 ISEAS State of Southeast Asia report shows that ASEAN elites are deeply concerned about geopolitical tensions between the United States and China
Southeast Asia needs to ramp up its trade links with Europe
INTRODUCTION: Southeast Asia faces rising US tariffs and pressure to limit Chinese links, prompting a search for stronger European trade ties.
MINDFULNESS DISCOURSE AND MEDITATION SESSION IN BUCHAREST
INTRODUCTION: Very recently, Sri Lanka opened for the first time an Embassy in Romania. Before this important political decision and a step forward to upgrade and consolidate the bilateral Sri Lanka-Romania relations
A China-led trilateral nexus as India’s new challenge
INTRODUCTION: The Beijing-led Trilaterals are aimed at challenging India’s long-term interests
The EU’s Indo-Pacific Projection Relies on France: But for How Long?
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, France has emerged as the European Union’s leading actor in the Indo-Pacific, leveraging its territorial presence in the region. However, rising pro-independence movements in its overseas territories
Signalling Policy Credibility: Indonesia and Thailand’s Pursuit of OECD Membership
INTRODUCTION: Indonesia and Thailand’s pursuit of OECD membership, amid considerable geopolitical and economic uncertainty, sends a clear message about the two countries’ commitment to adhering to stringent norms on transparency
GLIMPSES OF THE PHILIPPINES-ROMANIA RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION: On June 17, 2025, H.E. Mr. Noel Servigon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Romania organized the reception dedicated to the National Day of his great country.