WORLD
Trump-Xi bromance has a chance in 2025
The US-China relationship will be better served by collaboration, not acrimony. The moment for better ties could come next year
BUSINESS
China’s police are coming to a city near you
Its international policing activities are growing. That’s turning the country into a global security power
WORLD
Political dynasties in Southeast Asia are keeping it all in the family
From Indonesia to Thailand to the Philippines, ties bind powerful political dynasties together. That’s a threat to democracy
BUSINESS
Asia is charting its own course beyond US and China
With global power shifting from the West to the East, the region is now less dependent on old spheres of influence
BUSINESS
Thailand’s cannabis U-turn is a cautionary tale
After rushing to decriminalise the drug to boost its agriculture and tourism sectors, the government is having second thoughts
WORLD
Israel-Hamas: Listen to the Global South on Gaza
The Global South — a collection of postcolonial and developing countries that by some estimates represent 88% of the world’s population— has taken on the cause of Gaza so passionately. The Global South is stepping up as the world’s conscience on Gaza. Their views are reflective of a far wider swathe of public opinion than ever before — and they need to be heard
WORLD
China badly needs a foreign policy reset. But Xi Jinping has got bigger problems
China is increasingly losing friends and influence and needs a new foreign minister to reset the tone and work to create some goodwill. For now, it is clear that domestic stability is President Xi Jinping’s priority, even as tensions escalate across the region. Talking tough on Taiwan is Xi's way of building up his nationalist credentials, and a way to show strength while the economy around him flounders. But the optics are not good for China in other national capitals, especially in its neighbourhood
WORLD
Indonesia Elections: Prabowo victory means democracy, interrupted
Democracy in Indonesia is not some esoteric idea, or lofty ideology. It is a bitterly fought for privilege and should not be taken for granted. This generation of Indonesians cannot let the sacrifices of those who have gone before them go to waste
WORLD
The Chinese transformation of Hong Kong is almost complete
As Westerners are leaving, professionals from the mainland are taking their place. Hong Kong overtook Switzerland to become the world’s largest cross-border financial centre last year, as a result of the inflow of Chinese wealth. All of this further emphasizes the city’s dependence on China, and its transformation into another mainland city
BUSINESS
A dead dictator’s unwelcome comeback in Indonesia
The worries about the damage to democracy through an ex-General contesting elections have led to rumours and speculation that high-profile members of Jokowi’s cabinet are considering resigning. This kind of active resistance by parliamentarians and civil society is essential, and should continue. Indonesia’s democracy is in its infancy
WORLD
Everyone is wooing Vietnam. Why Hanoi’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ works
The central purpose of this policy is to avoid conflict, and promote peace. Hanoi has shaped a deft and strategic network of relationships with both large and small powers that has allowed Vietnam to balance not just the interests of the US and China, but also to navigate Russia, which assisted in its postwar reconstruction era
WORLD
A TikTok makeover for presidential hopeful Prabowo, from army general to cuddly grandpa
Despite allegations of human rights excesses in his army career and charges of nepotism for carrying Jokowi's son on his ticket as V-P candidate, Prabowo's image hasn't been hurt, and he looks set to meme and dance his way to the electoral contest. Will Indonesia’s voters get off TikTok and hit the history books instead before they make their decision?
ENVIRONMENT
The Global South has lost faith in COP28
Divisions are running deep before COP28 begins. There’s been no firm commitment from developed nations for an immediate and notable financial contribution. Developing countries want developed ones to provide at least $100 billion worth of annual financing by 2030
WORLD
Amid China's outreach, Asia’s Muslims grow weary of the West’s double standards
Enter China, which has been quick to spot the opportunity to act global peacemaker, despite its many limitations. Beijing has been trying to position itself as a powerful player in the Middle East, after it helped broker a détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia
WORLD
Singapore contemplates the end of the Lee political era
The Lees, both father and son, have been defining forces in the creation and governing of this small island. It leaves the global business hub and international trading port at a crossroads: The Singaporean leader’s adieu is, for many citizens who have grown up with either the first or the second Lee as their prime minister, an entirely novel phenomenon
WORLD
Thanks to Jokowi, politics is again a family business in Indonesia
Suharto’s former son-in-law, Prabowo, is tying up with Jokowi’s son to lead the country next year. None of this will be lost on Indonesians. They’ve seen this movie before and will be wondering whether keeping it all in the family is what’s best for their future
BUSINESS
China’s Belt and Road shows the high price of Beijing’s money
The Whoosh bullet train is a signature BRI project reducing travel time from Jakarta to Bandung from 3 hours to about 40 minutes. But construction got mired in delays and profitability remains a big question. Jakarta is increasingly pushing back against Beijing, insisting that China Railway transfer its technology so that it can produce the trains domestically
BUSINESS
What a rapper’s sentence says about racism in Singapore
The case has highlighted the difficulty and discomfort with which Singapore talks about race — and why it needs to be far more honest about prejudice in a country that prides itself on racial harmony
BUSINESS
ASEAN: Biden skipping Jakarta is a mistake
Indonesia should, in theory, be a natural partner for Washington. It is a large, vibrant democracy with historically strong military ties to the US. But under President Joko Widodo it has been receptive to Beijing's economic overtures. Allowing China’s influence to continue would be a mistake for the US
