Foreign Policy Blogs

Southeast Asia

The Alarming Dependency of Downstream Mekong River Countries

The Alarming Dependency of Downstream Mekong River Countries

In downstream Vietnam, experts claim as much as 50% of the 2.2 million hectares of arable land in the delta had been hit by salinization due to the drought.

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Singapore vs. Global Times: Analysis of Two Logics

Singapore vs. Global Times: Analysis of Two Logics

A dispute between the Singaporean Ambassador to China and the chief editor of Global Times broke out recently. The incident spoke volumes on the two countries’ thinking and logic.

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U.S. Pivot to Asia Still Strong in Vietnam

U.S. Pivot to Asia Still Strong in Vietnam

The pivot is part business, foreign policy and philanthropy. One of the best tools the to advance the pivot is the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

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Will Duterte Dump the U.S. and Dance with China?

Will Duterte Dump the U.S. and Dance with China?

Under the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program, the Philippines is currently the largest recipient of U.S. funds in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Duterte’s Friendly Visit to Vietnam

Duterte’s Friendly Visit to Vietnam

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte latest rants have caused international concern, resulting in capital flight and drops in the stockmarket and currency.

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The Philippines’ Improved Russian and Chinese Ties Increase Leverage with U.S.

The Philippines’ Improved Russian and Chinese Ties Increase Leverage with U.S.

By seeking to improve ties with both China and Russia, the Philippines aims to enhance its bargaining position with the U.S.

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New Delhi Offers $500 million Credit Line to Hanoi for Defense

New Delhi Offers $500 million Credit Line to Hanoi for Defense

In the face of China’s continued assertiveness, other nations are partnering up to increase defense cooperation, including Vietnam and India.

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Did Hanoi just Deploy Rocket Launchers in the South China Sea?

Did Hanoi just Deploy Rocket Launchers in the South China Sea?

A recent report appears to suggest that Vietnam has placed rocket launchers on five bases in the Spratly Islands, pointing them toward Chinese facilities.

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Will Hanoi go to The Hague?

Will Hanoi go to The Hague?

Now that an arbitral court in The Hague has ruled in favor of Manila over Beijing’s claims to the South China Sea, will Hanoi be next?

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The Hague Rules, China Reacts

The Hague Rules, China Reacts

On July 12, an international tribunal in The Hague issued a scathing rebuttal to China’s expansive claims. What has been Beijing’s reaction so far?

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Myanmar: Conversing in the Streets of Yangon

Myanmar: Conversing in the Streets of Yangon

Talking to locals in Burmese coffee shops reveals optimism about Myanmar’s future and its fledgling relationship with the West.

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The Hague’s Ruling and its Ramifications

The Hague’s Ruling and its Ramifications

In recent weeks, incidents of bad behavior by Chinese tourists in Vietnam have widely circulated on social media and been reported by Vietnamese news media.

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Triumphalism in Wake of Court’s South China Sea Ruling is Futile

Triumphalism in Wake of Court’s South China Sea Ruling is Futile

The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s verdict will have little weight in Beijing’s strategic considerations in the South China Sea.

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The Hague Issues Ruling on South China Sea

The Hague Issues Ruling on South China Sea

An international tribunal in The Hague has ruled that China’s expansive claim to sovereignty over waters in the South China Sea had no legal basis.

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The Company Behind Vietnam’s Largest Environmental Disaster

The Company Behind Vietnam’s Largest Environmental Disaster

With tons of dead fish continuing to wash ashore, hundreds of Vietnamese gathered for peaceful protests in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in April and May.

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