Asean ministers meet in Manila to discuss reducing economic dependence on the US and China amid rising trade tensions
Amid growing trade tensions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is intensifying efforts to reduce its economic dependence on both the United States and China. Economic ministers from Asean convened in Manila on Friday, highlighting the urgency of seeking new markets and bolstering regional cooperation to mitigate uncertainties in global supply chains exacerbated by recent U.S. tariff investigations. Asean's economic framework focuses on strengthening the confidence of business and investors within the bloc. In their latest statement, ministers underscored the commitment to collaborating with industry stakeholders, external partners, and development organizations. The goal is to reinforce regional supply chains... [Continue Reading]
Malaysian government faces investigation over alleged conspiracy to disrupt national stability
The Malaysian government is currently under scrutiny following an investigation into claims of a conspiracy to “topple the government” and disrupt national stability. This inquiry is reportedly linked to a local influential figure and an international media agency. The investigation, which is being carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police, has also encompassed civil society members, academics, and political analysts. Critics argue that this move is aimed at silencing dissent and shrinking civic space, raising alarm among various civil society groups. In February, authorities announced the beginning of their probe, which is grounded in Section 124B of the Malaysian Penal... [Continue Reading]
How Asean can loosen dependence on US, China amid trade war fallout
As trade tensions and new US tariff investigations rattle global supply chains, Southeast Asian economies are looking to broaden their options. But analysts say that the region’s deep links with the United States and China mean any shift will be gradual rather than a clean break – and may yet work in Asean’s favour. The disruption could accelerate supply-chain diversification, drawing more manufacturing to the region from markets such as Europe, India and the Middle East. For now, however, the... [Continue Reading]
Underwater and unprotected: why Asean and the EU must secure subsea lifelines
What does the world’s digital economy rest on? Thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cable lying on the ocean floor and, increasingly, in the crosshairs of great-power rivalry. The confluence of recent subsea cable disruptions, gaps in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and intensifying great-power competition has elevated this underwater infrastructure from a technical and commercial concern to a security issue – characterised as “this century’s hidden battleground”. It has... [Continue Reading]
Airlines in Asia and Europe raise fares amid rising oil prices linked to Iran conflict and widespread flight cancellations
In response to soaring oil prices tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran, several airlines operating in Asia and Europe have begun increasing their fares and fuel surcharges, significantly impacting global travel. The surge in oil prices comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions related to the conflict, leading to widespread disruptions in air travel. Data from analytics firm Cirium indicates that over 43,000 flights traveling to and from the Middle East were cancelled between February 28 and March 10, further driving demand for alternative routes and inflating ticket prices. The ramifications of this spike in oil prices are being... [Continue Reading]
