Topic
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.
Canberra may want to rope in China’s neighbours to join its US-led coalition against Beijing, but Asian countries understand they need a far more nuanced strategy and diplomacy to survive and prosper
Allegedly employed as forced labourers in carmaking, cotton, aluminium, solar panels or any Chinese-run enterprise, Uygurs may have to work in indigenous craft to meet Western standards of human rights.
Technology transfers have always been officially part of China’s belt and road plan, but analysts say those types of exchanges are being increasingly prioritised as Beijing bids to boost ties.
A lack of risk appetite for developing markets and different ways of doing business are among the factors holding back Australian investors, experts say.
The clams are highly sought after by China’s jewellery carving industry as a result of curbs on ivory trading.
The demarcation could also be an “inevitable step” towards the disputed Spratly Islands being the next area where Beijing wants to set its lines.
Dewi Jaya 2, with at least 35 crew, capsized on Saturday in waters off the remote Selayar Islands in South Sulawesi Province before the 11 were found stranded on two separate atolls after days floating in the sea.
President Marcos Jnr recently described his country as a frontline state, in remarks that recalled the Philippines’ dark chapter of being colonised by Japan.
The foreign ministry said the Philippines could not consider any of China’s 11 concept papers ‘without violating the constitution or international law’.
HSBC plans to promote its family office and digital banking services to attract the growing horde of ultra-high-net-worth clients in Asia to its private banking unit.
Manila and Canberra’s interests are ‘intertwined’, President Marcos Jnr said in remarks seen as a subtle message to China it has the West’s security support if needed.
The high seas pocket in the centre of the South China Sea would be good for setting up a marine protected area but could be difficult due to territorial claims.
Assistant US secretary of state Daniel Kritenbrink says he raised issues around Ream base during Phnom Penh visit.
He also called out the West’s hypocrisy in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but not supporting a ceasefire in Gaza.
The call comes as Malaysia rebukes the international community for a continued failure to end Israel’s five-month bombardment and get urgent aid to Palestinians.
The comments from Navy Commodore Roy Trinidad come a day after four Filipino navy personnel were injured in a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine ships.
Southeast Asian nations typically avoid a zero-sum position between superpowers US and China, analysts say, despite growing Chinese influence in the region.
New Zealand’s defence force uses two Boeing 757-200s received in 2003 to carry the country’s leaders. But the ageing aircraft have become unreliable, causing delays and PMs to become stranded.
‘Southeast Asia is where Australia’s future lies,’ Australian PM Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday as he announced the fund to focus on clean energy and infrastructure and provide loans, guarantees, equity and insurance.
Malaysia’s prime minister spoke in defence of ties with China and complained over alleged pressure by the US and its allies on regional nations to take sides in the West’s strategic rivalries with Beijing.
The Philippines is determined to rely on diplomacy to resolve the row with China, with which it has historical ties, President Marcos Jnr said in Australia.
The free trade pact offers tariff concessions over a 15-year period, and could be a catalyst for Sri Lanka’s objective of joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
‘What happens in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Strait, in the Mekong subregion, across the Indo-Pacific, affects us all,’ Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday during a summit with Asean.
Strained bilateral ties and attempts to exclude Beijing from discussions could further complicate efforts to conclude a regional code of conduct, analysts say.