Bridging ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council: Why People-to-People Connectivity Matters
INTRODUCTION: Cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council should be seen not only from the lens of trade investments, but also people-to-people connections.
Roundtable on the Future of Global Trade
INTRODUCTION: In June, ASEANFocus+ invited regional experts to share their insights on how the Trump 2.0 administration’s trade policies are reshaping trade
Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus
INTRODUCTION: Amid growing risks of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Southeast Asian countries can spur thinking on the Taiwan question by prodding Washington to match its words with deeds.
MINDS CONFERENCE ON CHINA-ROMANIA TRADE RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION: The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Romania organized on June 18, 2025 at its office building an important event dedicated to the trade relations between China and Romania, namely the “Minds Conference on China-Romania Trade Relations”
ASEAN Faces a Tougher Balancing Act in US and China Trade Relations
INTRODUCTION: The first 100 days of the Trump 2.0 presidency has been a rocky ride. On the trade front, countries continue to navigate trade negotiations with the US in the current 90-day pause granted on the imposition of the reciprocal tariffs
Japan’s economic security strategy looks beyond the United States
INTRODUCTION: As Trump-induced global economic uncertainty and economic protectionism rock the established international order, Japan is redefining its economic security strategy by looking to like-minded countries beyond then Uited States.
The UN80 Reform Initiative: Why, How, and For Whom?
INTRODUCTION: The United Nations stands at a critical juncture as it approaches its 80th anniversary. A reform initiative, “UN80”, signals a bold ambition to address inefficiencies, mandate overlaps
ASEAN 2045: Setting Ambitious Goals Amid Uncertain Times
INTRODUCTION: The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 marks a significant evolution in ASEAN’s regional integration.
The Elusive Code: Why ASEAN Needs a New Playbook for the South China Sea
INTRODUCTION: The South China Sea (SCS) remains one of the most consequential flashpoints in Southeast Asia, posing a direct challenge to ASEAN’s credibility, unity and its role as a stabilising force
When The Tables Turn: The Global South in an Era of Instability
INTRODUCTION: Amidst the fissures in the Transatlantic partnership, heightened United States (US)-China rivalry, and global trade frictions, commentaries of doom and gloom abound.